Gash Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Gash Dam, located in Lafayette, Missouri, serves as a vital resource for fish and wildlife conservation.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet, with a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 26 feet. The dam spans a length of 510 feet and has a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet, providing essential water for fire protection, stock, small fish ponds, grade stabilization, and recreation.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 62 feet, and it is situated on the TR-Maries Creek. Despite its high hazard potential, Gash Dam is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. With a moderate risk level of 3, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared at this time. While the dam's risk management measures and inundation maps are not specified, its role in preserving wildlife habitats and water sources in the area is crucial for environmental enthusiasts and climate advocates.
In the absence of state regulation and inspection, Gash Dam remains a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of supporting fish and wildlife ponds. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam's impact on the surrounding 140.8 square miles of drainage area is significant. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gash Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure and ecological conservation, highlighting the delicate balance between water management and environmental sustainability in Missouri's landscape.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
510 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MARIES CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
140.8 |
Nid Storage |
32 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Gash Dam