Welch Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Welch Lake Dam, located in Boone County, Missouri, was completed in 1960 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam is a 22-foot high earth structure with a buttress core type, providing a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet and a surface area of 9 acres. The dam is situated on the Hominy Branch river/stream and is owned by a private entity.
Despite not being regulated or inspected by state agencies, Welch Lake Dam has a high hazard potential, indicating the risk associated with its failure. The condition assessment of the dam is not rated, and the last inspection was conducted in March 1981. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam are not reported in the available data.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Welch Lake Dam intriguing due to its unique design and purpose, as well as the lack of recent regulatory oversight. The dam's location in the St. Louis District and its association with Representative Vicky Hartzler add further interest to its background. Given its high hazard potential, further assessment and monitoring of Welch Lake Dam may be necessary to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
HOMINY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
2100 |
Nid Storage |
106 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hinkson Creek At Columbia
|
1cfs |
Moniteau Creek Near Fayette
|
3cfs |
Missouri River At Jefferson City
|
30600cfs |
Missouri River At Boonville
|
30100cfs |
Moreau River Near Jefferson City
|
30cfs |
Elk Fork Salt River Near Madison
|
12cfs |
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.
Welch Lake Dam