Pickering Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Pickering Lake Dam, located in Sullivan, Missouri, was completed in 1976 for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 600 feet, with a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet. Situated on TR-LOCUST CREEK, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for condition assessment. Despite being privately owned, the dam poses a moderate risk and has not been regulated or inspected by the state.
The dam, managed by private owners, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock or small fish pond, grade stabilization, and recreation. With a surface area of 4 acres and a drainage area of 299 square miles, Pickering Lake Dam plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and provides essential water storage for the surrounding area. Although it lacks state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight, the dam's low hazard potential indicates a relatively low risk to downstream communities.
While Pickering Lake Dam has not been recently inspected or rated for condition assessment, its moderate risk level suggests the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. With a spillway type of uncontrolled and a spillway width of 10 feet, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unclear. As a significant feature in the Rock Island District managed by private owners, Pickering Lake Dam continues to be a key resource for fish and wildlife conservation, as well as recreational activities in the area.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LOCUST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
299 |
Nid Storage |
30 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Medicine Creek Near Laredo
|
112cfs |
Locust Creek Near Linneus
|
205cfs |
Chariton River At Novinger
|
545cfs |
Thompson River At Trenton
|
528cfs |
Chariton River At Livonia
|
45cfs |
Grand River At Chillicothe
|
361cfs |
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.
Pickering Lake Dam