Spring Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Spring Lake Dam, situated in Clinton, Missouri, is a private-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1974 by designer Donald Milstead, this earth dam stands at a height of 45 feet and spans 450 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 330 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 179 acre-feet, the dam serves as a key feature for the Spring Lake area, offering a surface area of 13.5 acres for recreational activities.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of 2007, Spring Lake Dam presents a high hazard potential due to its location on the TRIB-MUDDY FORK river tributary. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program in Missouri, with the last inspection conducted in October 2016. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 603 cubic feet per second, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, Spring Lake Dam requires regular monitoring and potential updates to its Emergency Action Plan to meet safety guidelines. Owned by a private entity, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting recreational activities in the area while also posing challenges in terms of its hazard potential and risk management. As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Spring Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and regulating earth structures for the safety and enjoyment of all.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
45 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB-MUDDY FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13.5 |
Drainage Area |
150 |
Nid Storage |
330 |
Structural Height |
45 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
45 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Spring Lake Dam
Paved Bicycle Lake Trail Clay County