Carter Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Carter Lake Dam, located in Sullivan, Missouri, was completed in 1968 and is primarily used for recreation purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam is privately owned and stands at a height of 25 feet, with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. It is classified as an Earth dam with a buttress core type and is situated on the TR-EAST YELLOW CREEK river or stream.
Despite being a low hazard potential dam, Carter Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. It does not fall under state jurisdiction, regulation, permitting, inspection, or enforcement. The dam does not have a spillway and is not associated with any locks or outlet gates. While the dam's emergency action plan status is not specified, it is crucial for stakeholders and communities to have a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response framework in place.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Carter Lake Dam serves as a point of interest in understanding the intricacies of dam infrastructure and its impact on recreation and water storage in the region. The dam's presence on the East Yellow Creek adds to the local landscape and provides a recreational spot for visitors. As with any dam, ongoing monitoring, assessment, and emergency preparedness are essential to ensure the safety and longevity of Carter Lake Dam.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST YELLOW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
17 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Chariton River At Novinger
|
68cfs |
Chariton River At Livonia
|
45cfs |
Locust Creek Near Linneus
|
27cfs |
Medicine Creek Near Laredo
|
17cfs |
Long Branch Creek Near Atlanta
|
6cfs |
Chariton River Near Moulton
|
34cfs |
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.
Carter Lake Dam