Covington Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Covington Dam in Vernon, Missouri, is a privately owned structure primarily designed for flood risk reduction along the TR Robinson Branch.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet. The dam serves a dual purpose of flood risk reduction and recreation, providing a valuable resource for the local community.

Despite being privately owned, Covington Dam falls under state jurisdiction with no state regulation, permitting, inspection, or enforcement. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not rated, the dam has not been subjected to any emergency action plans or risk assessments. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains an important infrastructure for flood control in the area, serving as a critical structure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Located in Oak Ridge, Missouri, Covington Dam is a vital component of the Kansas City District's flood risk reduction strategy. With its buttress core type and 10-acre surface area, the dam plays a crucial role in water management for the 70-acre drainage area it serves. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the significance of Covington Dam in safeguarding the local community from potential flooding events and to support ongoing efforts to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR ROBINSON BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

70

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.