Timber Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Timber Lake Dam, located in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, was completed in 1968 and serves as a key recreational hub in the area.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities, this private dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet. Situated along the TR to Fishing River, this earth dam with a buttress core type covers a surface area of 7 acres and has a drainage area of 430 square miles.

Despite its significance for recreation, Timber Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition assessment being labeled as "Not Rated." With no recent inspection data available, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unclear. The lack of regulatory oversight and enforcement suggests potential vulnerabilities in ensuring the safety and stability of this structure for both recreational users and downstream communities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of monitoring and maintaining dams like Timber Lake becomes increasingly critical to mitigate risks and safeguard against potential disasters.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Timber Lake Dam can explore the unique features of this recreational structure located within the Rock Island District. With its picturesque setting and connection to the Fishing River, this dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural landscapes. As efforts to assess and manage the risks associated with dams evolve, understanding the complexities of maintaining structures like Timber Lake Dam becomes essential in the context of changing environmental conditions and the need for sustainable water resource management practices.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR TO FISHING RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

430

Nid Storage

112

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.