Catfish Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wurtzberger Dam Dienell Dam
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Catfish Lake Dam, located in Monticello, Missouri, was completed in 1977 and serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction in the area.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This private dam has a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet, providing protection to the surrounding community from potential flooding events. While the dam primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction, it also offers benefits such as fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, and recreational opportunities.
Despite being privately owned, Catfish Lake Dam is not regulated or inspected by the state, indicating a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated. The dam, constructed with earth and buttress core types, stands on Forsee Branch and covers a surface area of 5 acres while draining a 600-acre watershed. With a hazard potential deemed low and no significant modifications over the years, Catfish Lake Dam remains a crucial asset for water resource management and climate resilience in Lewis County, Missouri.
Additionally, the dam plays a role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area, providing a habitat for various species and contributing to the overall water management system. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Catfish Lake Dam in mitigating flood risks and supporting local ecosystems is essential for promoting sustainable practices and ensuring the long-term resilience of communities in the face of changing weather patterns and environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
FORSEE BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
600 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wyaconda River Above Canton
|
13cfs |
Fox River At Wayland
|
8cfs |
Des Moines River At St. Francisville
|
1620cfs |
South Fabius River Near Taylor
|
12cfs |
Bear Creek Near Marcelline
|
5cfs |
North River At Palmyra
|
17cfs |
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.
Catfish Lake Dam