Silver Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Swan Lake Dam Swan Lake Levee #2 Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Silver Lake Dam, located in Chariton, Missouri, is a federal-owned structure managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Summary
Built in 1937, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 23,300 feet in length, creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond for conservation purposes. The dam has a storage capacity of 19,575 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 110 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 18,627 cubic feet per second.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in August 2016. The dam has undergone multiple modifications over the years, including hydraulic and mechanical upgrades in 1976, 1980, 1982, and 1999. The dam's spillway, an uncontrolled type with a width of 1,165 feet, is designed to handle excess water flow. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are currently unspecified.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Silver Lake Dam an intriguing structure due to its vital role in creating a sustainable habitat for fish and wildlife conservation. The dam's historical significance, coupled with its structural features and risk assessment, offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of water management, environmental conservation, and infrastructure maintenance in the context of changing climatic conditions. As a federal-owned facility overseen by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Silver Lake Dam represents a unique blend of ecological stewardship and engineering excellence in the heart of Missouri's Chariton County.
Years Modified |
1976 - Hydraulic, 1980 - Hydraulic, 1982 - Mechanical, 1999 - Hydraulic |
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
23300 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3050 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
110 |
Nid Storage |
19575 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate), Valve |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Grand River Near Sumner
|
220cfs |
Mussel Fork Near Musselfork
|
12cfs |
Locust Creek Near Linneus
|
35cfs |
Chariton River Near Prairie Hill
|
106cfs |
Grand River At Chillicothe
|
361cfs |
Wakenda Creek At Carrollton
|
8cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Silver Lake Dam