Becker-Miller-Marcum Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Becker-Miller-Marcum Lake Dam, located in Marion, Missouri, was completed in 1974 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This private earth dam, with a structural height of 25 feet, is situated on Smiley Creek and has a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. The dam is surrounded by a surface area of 5 acres and serves a drainage area of 60 acres.

Despite being privately owned, Becker-Miller-Marcum Lake Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the state of Missouri, with no federal oversight. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition. While the dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, it provides valuable recreational opportunities for the local community and visitors.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the unique design of Becker-Miller-Marcum Lake Dam, as well as its role in providing recreational activities. The dam's location on Smiley Creek in Cooper County, Missouri, offers a scenic and tranquil environment for fishing, boating, and other outdoor pursuits. As a privately owned structure with limited regulatory oversight, the dam presents an interesting case study for understanding the intersection of water management and private ownership in the context of recreational infrastructure.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-SMILEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

60

Nid Storage

67

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.