Hedges Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hedges Lake Dam, located in Orrick, Missouri, was completed in 1961 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 43 feet with a length of 305 feet, offering a normal storage capacity of 94 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-SHACKELFORD BRANCH, this earth dam with a stone core sits on a rock foundation and has a spillway width of 60 feet. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG under the state jurisdiction of Missouri.
With a drainage area of 430 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 1764 cubic feet per second, Hedges Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential. However, the dam's condition assessment in 2007 was deemed satisfactory, and it undergoes inspections every three years. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) of 3. Although no emergency action plan (EAP) is currently in place, the dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and has no outlet gates.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hedges Lake Dam offers a captivating site to explore the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and environmental stewardship. The dam's role in providing irrigation water, fire protection, and recreational opportunities highlights the diverse purposes that water resources can serve. As discussions around dam safety and risk management continue to evolve, understanding the complexities of dams like Hedges Lake Dam is crucial for ensuring sustainable water practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
305 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SHACKELFORD BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
430 |
Nid Storage |
115 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Hedges Lake Dam
MO 210 Ray County