Rainey Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Rainey Lake Dam, located in Jasper County, Missouri, was completed in 1952 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. While it is not regulated or inspected by state authorities, the dam is under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers' Little Rock District. Despite being ungraded for its condition, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential.
With its location on TR-Short Creek and close proximity to Riverton, Rainey Lake Dam provides a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities. While it has not been modified in recent years and lacks specific spillway details, the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness plans remain unclear. As a source of potential recreational fun and a critical structure for water management in the area, the dam's condition assessment and future maintenance needs may be of interest to water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SHORT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Drainage Area |
2200 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Shoal Creek Above Joplin
|
151cfs |
Spring River Near Waco
|
121cfs |
Spring River Near Quapaw
|
455cfs |
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.
Rainey Lake Dam