Hintz Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Hintz Lake Dam, located in Bethany, Missouri, was completed in 1974 and serves primarily as a debris control structure on the TR-West Fork Big River.
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Summary
This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet, providing essential protection for the surrounding area. With its low hazard potential and unlisted foundation, Hintz Lake Dam plays a crucial role in fire protection, stock maintenance, small fish pond management, and recreational activities.
Managed by the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Hintz Lake Dam is an important asset in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem and supporting water resource conservation efforts in Harrison County, Missouri. Despite its low hazard potential and unassessed condition, this dam continues to fulfill its purpose effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of nearby communities. As climate change poses new challenges to water management, the importance of structures like Hintz Lake Dam becomes increasingly evident in safeguarding against floods, ensuring water availability, and promoting sustainable development.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to advocate for responsible water management practices, Hintz Lake Dam stands as a testament to the vital role that infrastructure plays in protecting our environment and enhancing community resilience. With its multiple purposes and modest size, this earth dam exemplifies the balance between human needs and ecological preservation, serving as a model for sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. As we look to the future, structures like Hintz Lake Dam will remain essential in safeguarding our water resources and adapting to the challenges of a rapidly changing climate.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WEST FORK BIG RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
130 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Hintz Lake Dam