Curless Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Don Bunton Lake George Emberry Dam
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Curless Lake Dam, located in Barton County, Missouri, was completed in 1977 with the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 650 feet, providing a storage capacity of 249 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Little Drywood Creek and is owned by a private entity, with no state or federal regulatory oversight.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating a lack of recent assessments. The risk assessment for Curless Lake Dam is categorized as moderate, with a risk level of 3 out of 5. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 32 cubic feet per second. With a surface area of 2 acres and a drainage area of 102.4 square miles, Curless Lake Dam remains an important structure for both fish and wildlife conservation and irrigation purposes in the area.
While the dam does not have specific emergency action plans or regular inspections documented, its vital role in the local ecosystem and water management highlights the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of Curless Lake Dam for both environmental and agricultural purposes.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE DRYWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
102.4 |
Nid Storage |
249 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Curless Lake Dam