Bass Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Bass Lake Dam, located in Readsville, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

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
       
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.