Nelsen's Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mccane Lake Dam Taylor Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Nelsen's Lake Dam, located in Foley, Missouri, was completed in 1970 and serves primarily for recreational purposes as well as water supply.
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Summary
The dam is privately owned and stands at a height of 30 feet, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type, situated on TR-Sandy Creek in Lincoln County.
With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," Nelsen's Lake Dam provides a tranquil recreational spot for water enthusiasts in the area. Despite not being state regulated or inspected, the dam continues to offer a safe environment for activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unlisted, presenting an opportunity for further evaluation and enhancement of safety protocols.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nelsen's Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and management. The dam's location in a picturesque setting along with its dual purpose of recreation and water supply highlights the importance of sustainable water resource utilization. As efforts to address climate change intensify, understanding the role of dams like Nelsen's Lake Dam becomes crucial in ensuring the resilience and safety of water infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SANDY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
80 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cuivre River Near Troy
|
42cfs |
Dardenne Creek At Old Town St. Peters
|
8cfs |
Dardenne Creek At Ofallon
|
14cfs |
Macoupin Creek Near Kane
|
16cfs |
Missouri River At St. Charles
|
32600cfs |
Cowmire Creek At Bridgeton
|
1cfs |
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.
Nelsen's Lake Dam