Bethards Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Feeney Lake Dam Frost Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Bethards Lake Dam, located in Livingston County, Missouri, was completed in 1977 with a primary purpose of fire protection, livestock, and small fish pond utilization.
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Summary
The earthen dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 15 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no information available on its inspection frequency or emergency action plan readiness.
Situated on the Thompson River, Bethards Lake Dam is privately owned and not regulated by the state or federal agencies. The dam, designed as an earth structure with buttress core type, spans a surface area of 3 acres and is used primarily for recreational and agricultural purposes. With a risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and management measures lacking, there is a need for further evaluation and monitoring to ensure the safety and sustainability of this important water resource.
With its scenic location and vital role in supporting local fire protection and agricultural activities, Bethards Lake Dam presents both opportunities and challenges for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As efforts to assess the dam's condition, improve emergency preparedness, and enhance risk management measures are undertaken, there is a chance to not only safeguard this valuable water infrastructure but also promote sustainable water use and environmental conservation in the region.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-THOMPSON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
15 |
Nid Storage |
40 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Grand River At Chillicothe
|
361cfs |
Medicine Creek Near Laredo
|
6cfs |
Thompson River At Trenton
|
111cfs |
Locust Creek Near Linneus
|
35cfs |
Shoal Creek Near Braymer Mo
|
12cfs |
Grand River Near Gallatin
|
61cfs |
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.
Bethards Lake Dam