Shellabarger Dam South Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Located in Mexico, Missouri, the Shellabarger Dam South is a privately-owned structure built in 1970 primarily for irrigation purposes along the TR-DAVIS CREEK.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 20 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 193 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 120 acre-feet. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, although its condition assessment is currently labeled as "Not Rated."

Despite being privately owned, the Shellabarger Dam South falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Missouri and is not regulated by any state agency. With no state permitting, inspection, or enforcement requirements in place, the dam's maintenance and safety responsibilities likely fall solely on its private owners. The dam's high hazard potential underscores the importance of proper risk management and emergency preparedness measures to mitigate any potential threats to downstream communities and environments. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Shellabarger Dam South serves as a significant irrigation infrastructure in the region, highlighting the intricate balance between water resource utilization and the need for robust dam safety protocols.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-DAVIS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

130

Nid Storage

193

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.