Bethel Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Bethel Lake Dam, located in Montgomery County, Missouri, stands as a remarkable Earth dam that was completed in 1966.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, this dam also serves as a water supply source, showcasing its versatility in meeting the needs of the surrounding community. The dam's structural height of 52 feet and storage capacity of 156 acre-feet make it a valuable asset in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by a private owner, Bethel Lake Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG in Missouri. The dam has been inspected and deemed to have a low hazard potential, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of 2007. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not undergone any major modifications in recent years, indicating a stable and well-maintained structure that continues to provide recreational opportunities and water supply support to the region.

With a scenic location along TR-CLEAR CREEK, Bethel Lake Dam offers a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts and climate advocates alike. Its maximum discharge capacity of 6 cubic feet per second and spillway type of Uncontrolled further highlight the dam's importance in managing water flow and preventing flooding events. As a key component of the local landscape, Bethel Lake Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and the intersection of human infrastructure with natural ecosystems in the heart of Missouri.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

52

River Or Stream

TR-CLEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.5

Hydraulic Height

48.3

Drainage Area

21

Nid Storage

156

Structural Height

52

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

52
       
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.