Iron Mountain Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Iron Mountain Lake Dam, located in Bismarck, Missouri, stands as a testament to recreation and water resource management since its completion in 1847.


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Summary

This private dam, primarily designed for recreational purposes, has a structural height of 16 feet and a storage capacity of 599 acre-feet, serving as a key feature in the Middlebrook Creek watershed. The dam's hazard potential is rated as high, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and potential risk management measures.

Despite its age, Iron Mountain Lake Dam remains a vital part of the St. Francois County landscape, offering a surface area of 70 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. With a drainage area of 3775 acres, this rockfill dam plays a significant role in regulating water flow and storage in the region. However, the dam's condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," highlighting the need for further evaluation and potentially the implementation of an Emergency Action Plan to ensure public safety in case of any unforeseen events.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the role of dams like Iron Mountain Lake Dam becomes increasingly crucial in managing water supply and mitigating potential risks. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, this dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between human ingenuity, environmental stewardship, and the need for sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1847

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

MIDDLEBROOK CR

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

70

Drainage Area

3775

Nid Storage

599

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.