Lake Thunderbird Upper Dam dam
Lake Thunderbird Upper Dam
Lake Thunderbird Upper Dam in Missouri is a private-owned structure that offers a fascinating blend of recreation and environmental management. With a height of 49 feet and a capacity of 465 acre-feet, this earth dam built in 1967 stands as a critical resource along the TR AUXVASSE CREEK. Its primary purpose as a recreational spot is evident in its serene surroundings and spacious surface area of 19 acres.
Managed by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG, this dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the state, ensuring its safety and functionality. While its hazard potential is deemed significant, its condition is reported as satisfactory, with a risk assessment rating of moderate. The dam's design by Bernard Browning and Gene Bowen reflects a careful balance between structural integrity and environmental impact, making it a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
From its uncontrolled spillway to its buttress core type, Lake Thunderbird Upper Dam offers a unique perspective on dam construction and management. With a drainage area of 643 square miles and a maximum discharge of 165 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply management in the Callaway County region. Its strategic location in CHAMOIS, Missouri, under the stewardship of the St. Louis District, highlights its importance in the local ecosystem and the broader context of water resource management.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Thunderbird Upper Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri River At Hermann | 133,000 cfs | → |
| Missouri River At Jefferson City | 102,000 cfs | → |
| Maries River At Westphalia | 363 cfs | → |
| Moreau River Near Jefferson City | 6,210 cfs | → |
| Gasconade River Near Rich Fountain | 1,710 cfs | → |
| Hinkson Creek At Columbia | 195 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Thunderbird Upper Dam.
Track Lake Thunderbird Upper Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Thunderbird Upper Dam
Where does the data for Lake Thunderbird Upper Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Thunderbird Upper Dam.