Lake Carawood Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Lake Carawood Dam, located in Gasconade, Missouri, was completed in 1976 and serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Managed by a private owner, the dam stands at 34 feet tall with a structural height of 36 feet and a length of 490 feet. Its earth core and buttress design provide stability for the reservoir that has a normal storage capacity of 107 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 167 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Big Berger Creek, with a drainage area of 109 square miles, making it a vital water resource in the region.

Despite its high hazard potential, Lake Carawood Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The spillway, an uncontrolled type with a width of 14 feet, is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 567 cubic feet per second. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are unspecified, suggesting a need for further evaluation and preparedness. With its picturesque surroundings and significant role in providing recreational opportunities, Lake Carawood Dam remains an essential feature in the water resource and climate landscape of Missouri.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-BIG BERGER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

109

Nid Storage

167

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
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.