Watkin Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jones Lake Dam Paul Jones Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Watkin Lake Dam in Missouri, completed in 1969, serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 234 acre-feet.
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Summary
Located in Livingston County near the city of Bedford, the dam stands at a height of 23 feet and is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core. The dam is situated on TR-Clear Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite its importance for irrigation, Watkin Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has not been condition rated. With a surface area of 19 acres and a drainage area of 110 square miles, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 105 acre-feet. It is privately owned and not regulated or inspected by the state. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps preparedness remain unaddressed, raising concerns about the safety and management of the structure in case of a potential breach or failure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Watkin Lake Dam should be aware of its critical role in irrigation in the region, but also of the potential risks associated with its high hazard classification and lack of state regulation and inspection. The dam's condition assessment, emergency preparedness, and risk management measures are notably absent, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols and monitoring to ensure the dam's integrity and the protection of downstream communities and ecosystems in the event of a flood or other emergencies.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CLEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Drainage Area |
110 |
Nid Storage |
234 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Shoal Creek Near Braymer Mo
|
0cfs |
Grand River At Chillicothe
|
361cfs |
Grand River Near Sumner
|
223cfs |
Wakenda Creek At Carrollton
|
39cfs |
Grand River Near Gallatin
|
61cfs |
Locust Creek Near Linneus
|
31cfs |
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.
Watkin Lake Dam