James Estes Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Thieme Lake Dam Ralph Brooks
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
James Estes Dam, located in Morrisville, Missouri, is a private earth dam completed in 1958 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a structural height of 10 feet, the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 59 acre-feet, with a surface area of 11 acres and a drainage area of 251 square miles. The dam, which spans over Thrasher Creek, has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment.
Despite its modest size and purpose, James Estes Dam remains an important feature in the local landscape, providing opportunities for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The dam's location within Polk County, Missouri, offers visitors a serene environment surrounded by nature and water. While it may not be as well-known as larger dams, its significance lies in its contribution to the area's water resource management and climate resilience.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the diverse range of dams across the country, James Estes Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of smaller-scale infrastructure in supporting community needs and promoting environmental stewardship. With its unlisted foundation and buttress core design, the dam showcases the variety of engineering approaches used to manage water resources effectively. While it may not be a major player on the national stage, the dam's role in enhancing local water-based recreational activities underscores the interconnected relationship between humans and their natural surroundings.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TR ASHER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Drainage Area |
251 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
James Estes Dam