Moores Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shady Lake Dam Stephens Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Moores Lake Dam, located in Columbia, Missouri, was completed in 1904 and is owned by the local government.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam has a structural height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-Bear Creek river and serves various purposes beyond flood control, including recreation and water supply.
Although Moores Lake Dam has not been inspected since July 1980, it still poses a high hazard potential due to its age and condition being unrated. Emergency action plans and risk assessments for the dam have not been updated or prepared, indicating a lack of readiness for potential emergencies. Despite these challenges, the dam remains a key feature in the local water resource infrastructure, providing storage for 51 acre-feet of water in normal conditions.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Moores Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and maintenance. The dam's historical significance, high hazard potential, and lack of recent inspections highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk assessment for aging infrastructure. As efforts to address climate change intensify, understanding and managing the risks associated with dams like Moores Lake Dam will be crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water resources.
Year Completed |
1904 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Drainage Area |
29 |
Nid Storage |
112 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hinkson Creek At Columbia
|
1cfs |
Moniteau Creek Near Fayette
|
3cfs |
Missouri River At Boonville
|
30100cfs |
Missouri River At Jefferson City
|
30600cfs |
Moreau River Near Jefferson City
|
30cfs |
Elk Fork Salt River Near Madison
|
12cfs |
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.
Moores Lake Dam