Highway Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bubbling Springs Dam Ryder Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Highway Lake Dam, located in Phelps County, Missouri, was completed in 1952 and serves primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 33 feet, with a storage capacity of 265 acre-feet and a normal storage of 175 acre-feet. Situated on Peters Branch, this earth dam with a buttress core type covers a surface area of 15 acres and drains an area of 870 acres.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Highway Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of condition assessment. With no inspection frequency listed and limited emergency preparedness measures in place, the dam's risk assessment and management measures are not clearly outlined. While the dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or inundation maps prepared, it still provides a vital recreational resource for the surrounding community.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the data on Highway Lake Dam, its unique features and minimal risk factors make it a fascinating subject of study. With its scenic location and historical significance in the area, the dam continues to be a valuable asset for recreational activities while also highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness in safeguarding water resources and infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
PETERS BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Drainage Area |
870 |
Nid Storage |
265 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Meramec River At Cook Station
|
47cfs |
Little Piney Creek At Newburg
|
82cfs |
Gasconade River At Jerome
|
944cfs |
Big Piney Below Ft. Leonard Wood
|
297cfs |
Big Piney River Near Big Piney
|
228cfs |
Meramec River Near Steelville
|
244cfs |
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.
Highway Lake Dam