Bowles Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Bowles Lake Dam, located in Harrison, Missouri, is a private earth dam primarily used for fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam has a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-East Fork Big Creek, this structure serves a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. Despite its private ownership, Bowles Lake Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Missouri and is not regulated or inspected by state agencies.
Although the dam's purpose may seem modest, its importance in providing fire protection and water storage cannot be understated, especially in rural areas like Bethany. The dam's location and design, with a buttress core type and unknown foundation, highlight the need for proper maintenance and monitoring to ensure its structural integrity and performance. With a capacity of 54 acre-feet and a surface area of 4 acres, Bowles Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and conservation in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Bowles Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure contributing to fire protection and ecological sustainability. Its low hazard potential and unregulated status raise questions about the oversight and management of similar dams across the state. By understanding the design, purpose, and condition of Bowles Lake Dam, enthusiasts can advocate for improved monitoring and maintenance practices to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these essential water management structures.
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST FORK BIG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
17 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Bowles Lake Dam