Valley Water Mills Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fellows Lake Dam Mcdaniel Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Valley Water Mills Dam, located in Springfield, Missouri, was completed in 1890 and stands at a height of 21 feet.
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Summary
The primary purpose of this private-owned dam is for recreation, with additional functions including water supply. The dam is classified as a Buttress type, and has a normal storage capacity of 138 acre-feet, with a total storage of 191 acre-feet.
Situated on the TR-South Dry Sac River, Valley Water Mills Dam covers a surface area of 17 acres and has a drainage area of 3200 acres. Despite the lack of state regulation and inspection, the dam has a hazard potential rated as high. The last inspection was conducted in 1979, with the condition assessment currently marked as 'Not Rated'.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Valley Water Mills Dam presents an intriguing case study of an older dam with historical significance and potential risks associated with its high hazard potential. With its location on the TR-South Dry Sac River and its primary purpose of recreation, this dam serves as a symbol of both the importance and challenges of managing water resources in Missouri.
Year Completed |
1890 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH DRY SAC RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Buttress |
Surface Area |
17 |
Drainage Area |
3200 |
Nid Storage |
191 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Valley Water Mills Dam