Bishop Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Bishop Lake Dam in Moscow Mills, Missouri, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 1976, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 143 acre-feet. The dam, located on TR-PRICES BR-BEAR CREEK, covers a surface area of 4.2 acres and serves a drainage area of 64 square miles.

With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Bishop Lake Dam is a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 900 cubic feet per second. Despite not being state regulated or inspected, the dam's condition is currently not rated, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community.

Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find Bishop Lake Dam an intriguing case study due to its unique design and historical significance in the local irrigation and recreation activities. The dam's association with TR-PRICES BR-BEAR CREEK and its location in Montgomery County, Missouri, add to its importance as a key infrastructure for water management in the region. As discussions around climate change and water scarcity continue to rise, understanding the dynamics of dams like Bishop Lake becomes essential for sustainable water resource planning and management.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

1410

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-PRICES BR-BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.2

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

64

Nid Storage

143

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.