Dr. Courtney Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

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Summary

Courtney Dam, located in Warren, Missouri, is a private Earth dam completed in 1966 with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond. The dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 600 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-BIG CREEK and falls under the jurisdiction of the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite its high hazard potential, Dr. Courtney Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and its last inspection was conducted in May 1979. The dam poses a moderate risk (level 3) according to the data available. With no outlet gates and an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam's associated structures remain unlisted. Given its status as a private structure with no state regulation, inspection, permitting, or enforcement, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan readiness are unknown.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dr. Courtney Dam presents an intriguing case study in the management and maintenance of privately owned structures with high hazard potential. Its historical completion and ongoing operation as a Fish and Wildlife Pond highlight the intersection of human development with ecological conservation efforts. The dam's location in Warren, Missouri, within the scenic landscape of TR-BIG CREEK, underscores the importance of balancing recreational and environmental considerations in the design and upkeep of such infrastructure.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

96

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.