Grand Falls Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rainey Lake Dam Lake Mintahama Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Grand Falls Dam, located on Shoal Creek in Lowell, Missouri, was completed in 1920 and serves as a vital recreational spot for locals and visitors.
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Summary
Owned by the local government, the dam primarily functions to provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and swimming, while also serving as a water supply source. With a gravity dam type and a height of 15 feet, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 180 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 401 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 50 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, the condition of Grand Falls Dam is currently not rated, with no recent inspection data available. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are also lacking information, raising questions about its overall safety and management protocols. As an important structure in the region, it is crucial for the authorities to conduct regular assessments and updates to ensure the safety and reliability of the Grand Falls Dam for both recreational and water supply purposes.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
SHOAL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
50 |
Drainage Area |
275000 |
Nid Storage |
401 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Shoal Creek Above Joplin
|
151cfs |
Spring River Near Quapaw
|
455cfs |
Spring River Near Waco
|
121cfs |
Spring River At Carthage
|
58cfs |
Tar Creek At 22nd Street Bridge
|
4cfs |
Neosho River Near Commerce
|
3030cfs |
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.
Grand Falls Dam