Woodward Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Woodward Lake Dam, located in Daviess County, Missouri, was completed in 1976 and serves primarily for grade stabilization purposes along the TR-GOOSE CREEK.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans 330 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled and has a width of 22 feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 180 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level.

Owned and operated by a private entity, Woodward Lake Dam is not regulated or inspected by state authorities in Missouri. The dam, made of earth and stone core materials with a soil foundation, has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. While the dam's risk management measures and inundation maps are not specified, it is noted that the dam does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Woodward Lake Dam presents an interesting case study in dam construction and management. Its moderate risk rating, coupled with the lack of regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness, highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of such structures for the surrounding communities and ecosystems. Further research and monitoring may be needed to assess the long-term sustainability and resilience of Woodward Lake Dam in the face of changing environmental conditions and potential hazards.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-GOOSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

300

Nid Storage

108

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.