Brown Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Brown Lake Dam, located in Forest Green, Missouri, serves the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Built in 1977, this private Earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet. The dam overlooks TR-Sweet Spring Creek and covers a surface area of 15 acres, with a drainage area of 590 square miles. Despite not being state-regulated or inspected, the dam presents a high hazard potential due to its condition being not rated.

With a maximum storage capacity of 96 acre-feet, Brown Lake Dam plays a crucial role in supporting irrigation activities in the region. The dam's buttress core design and unlisted foundation make it a unique structure in the area, contributing to the conservation of water resources for agricultural purposes. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, its high hazard potential underscores the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of downstream communities and ecosystems.

As an essential component of water resource management in Randolph County, Missouri, Brown Lake Dam requires ongoing risk assessment and management measures to mitigate potential hazards. Despite not being under federal or state jurisdiction, the dam's significance in supporting irrigation activities underscores the need for proactive monitoring and emergency preparedness. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the delicate balance between harnessing water for agricultural use and ensuring the safety and sustainability of dams like Brown Lake in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR-SWEET SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

590

Nid Storage

96

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.