Hamilton Lake Dam West Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Hamilton Lake Dam West, located in Livingston County, Missouri, is a private earth dam completed in 1977 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam has a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 45 acres along the Thompson River. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been rated, and it is not regularly inspected, regulated, or permitted by state agencies.
Situated in Bedford, Missouri, the Hamilton Lake Dam West is owned privately and does not fall under federal jurisdiction or funding. The dam's structure, composed of buttress core types on an unlisted foundation, spans across a surface area of 2 acres. While the dam does not have a spillway, outlet gates, or locks, it serves as a vital resource for fire protection and livestock management in the area. With its historical significance dating back to over four decades, the dam continues to support the community's water resource needs.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hamilton Lake Dam West offers a glimpse into the intricate network of dams and reservoirs in Missouri. Despite its modest size and low risk level, the dam plays a crucial role in sustaining water supply and biodiversity in the region. As a private entity, the dam's management and maintenance are integral to ensuring its continued functionality for fire protection and agricultural purposes. As climate patterns evolve, understanding the role of structures like Hamilton Lake Dam West becomes increasingly important in safeguarding water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-THOMPSON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
45 |
Nid Storage |
27 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Grand River At Chillicothe
|
361cfs |
Shoal Creek Near Braymer Mo
|
12cfs |
Medicine Creek Near Laredo
|
6cfs |
Thompson River At Trenton
|
111cfs |
Grand River Near Gallatin
|
61cfs |
Locust Creek Near Linneus
|
35cfs |
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.
Hamilton Lake Dam West