Lake Ralph Foster Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Circle Lake Dam Elk Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Lake Ralph Foster Dam, located in Turner, Missouri, was completed in 1971 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 36 acre-feet. The dam is privately owned and not regulated by the state, with a high hazard potential due to its location on TR to James River.
Despite being privately owned, Lake Ralph Foster Dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for the local area and maintaining a diverse ecosystem. The dam's primary purpose of fire protection underscores its importance in safeguarding the surrounding environment against potential wildfires. Additionally, the dam serves as a vital stock and fish pond, contributing to the conservation of aquatic life in the region.
With its strategic location and high hazard potential, Lake Ralph Foster Dam requires regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, ongoing inspections and risk management measures are essential to mitigate any potential risks and protect the surrounding community and environment from the consequences of dam failure.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO JAMES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
80 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Lake Ralph Foster Dam