Highlands Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Highlands Lake Dam, located in Columbia, Missouri, was completed in 1986 and serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Rock Creek.
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Summary
The dam, classified as an Earth type structure with a height of 34 feet, provides a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet of water. Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, the dam is considered to have a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring.
With a normal storage capacity of 57 acre-feet and a surface area of 5 acres, Highlands Lake Dam also offers recreational opportunities for the local community. Although the dam has not been inspected since 1986 and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment, its strategic location and purpose for flood control underscore its critical role in water resource management. As a key structure in the flood risk reduction system, Highlands Lake Dam plays a crucial role in protecting downstream areas from potential inundation.
While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are unclear, its significance in mitigating flood risks cannot be understated. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the operational and safety aspects of Highlands Lake Dam is crucial in ensuring its continued effectiveness in flood control and recreation. With ongoing monitoring and potential updates to its emergency preparedness protocols, the dam can continue to serve its dual purposes of flood risk reduction and community recreation in Boone County, Missouri.
Year Completed |
1986 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
ROCK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
60 |
Nid Storage |
91 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hinkson Creek At Columbia
|
1cfs |
Moniteau Creek Near Fayette
|
3cfs |
Missouri River At Boonville
|
30100cfs |
Missouri River At Jefferson City
|
30600cfs |
Moreau River Near Jefferson City
|
30cfs |
Osage River Below St. Thomas
|
1210cfs |
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.
Highlands Lake Dam