Bass Lake Dam, located in Readsville, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1980, this dam has a height of 33 feet and a storage capacity of 530 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 330 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary to Cow Creek, within a drainage area of 528 square miles.
Despite being privately owned, Bass Lake Dam is not regulated or inspected by the state of Missouri. However, it has a high hazard potential and its condition has not been rated. The dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, raising concerns about its ability to safely manage water levels during heavy rainfall or flooding events. Emergency action plans and risk assessments for the dam are also lacking, which could pose a significant threat to downstream communities in the event of a dam failure.
Given its critical importance in managing water resources and potential risks associated with its condition, further assessment and regulation of Bass Lake Dam are essential to ensure the safety of surrounding areas. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the status of Bass Lake Dam and advocating for proper management and maintenance practices is crucial in mitigating potential hazards and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this important infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. TO COW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Drainage Area |
528 |
Nid Storage |
530 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
Missouri River At Hermann
|
28400cfs |
Missouri River At Jefferson City
|
30900cfs |
Maries River At Westphalia
|
12cfs |
Gasconade River Near Rich Fountain
|
854cfs |
Moreau River Near Jefferson City
|
41cfs |
Hinkson Creek At Columbia
|
1cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Chamois Access - MDC
|
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Camping @ Graham Cave State Park
|
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Graham Cave State Park
|