Moon Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Cyrene Dam Stephens Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Moon Valley Lake Dam, located in Boone, Missouri, is a private-owned gravity dam built in 1964 primarily for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 18 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 2100 acres along Hominy Branch. Despite its key purpose, the dam also offers recreational opportunities with a surface area of 13 acres, making it an attractive destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
With a high hazard potential and a condition assessment that remains unrated, Moon Valley Lake Dam poses significant risks that need to be monitored and managed effectively. Although not regulated by the state, the dam's last inspection dates back to 1981, highlighting the importance of regular assessments and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Its location in Columbia, Missouri, under the St. Louis District, underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and potential risk mitigation measures to safeguard the surrounding community and the environment.
As a gravity dam with buttress core types, Moon Valley Lake Dam plays a crucial role in flood protection while also offering recreational benefits to local residents and visitors. Despite its age and the lack of recent inspections, the dam's strategic position on Hominy Branch highlights the need for continued vigilance and proactive risk management strategies to maintain its functionality and safety for the long term. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Moon Valley Lake Dam presents a unique blend of engineering ingenuity and natural beauty, making it a site worth exploring and studying in-depth.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
HOMINY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
13 |
Drainage Area |
2100 |
Nid Storage |
125 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hinkson Creek At Columbia
|
1cfs |
Moniteau Creek Near Fayette
|
3cfs |
Missouri River At Boonville
|
30100cfs |
Missouri River At Jefferson City
|
30600cfs |
Moreau River Near Jefferson City
|
30cfs |
Elk Fork Salt River Near Madison
|
12cfs |
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.
Moon Valley Lake Dam