Putman Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bass Dam Street Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Putman Dam, located in Salem, Missouri, on TR Spring Creek, was completed in 1947 and serves as a recreational resource for the surrounding area.
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Summary
The earth dam, with a height of 10 feet and a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet, offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Despite being privately owned, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.
Managed by the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Putman Dam has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, but its primary purpose of recreation suggests a focus on maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors. The dam's location in Dent County, Missouri, provides a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape. With a normal storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a surface area of 30 acres, Putman Dam offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a quiet escape in nature.
While Putman Dam may not have the same level of regulation or oversight as larger, federally-owned structures, its significance as a local recreational landmark cannot be understated. With its historical construction dating back over 70 years, the dam continues to provide a valuable resource for the community while also showcasing the importance of responsible stewardship of water resources and climate considerations in the management of such infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TR SPRING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Drainage Area |
992 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Meramec River At Cook Station
|
45cfs |
Current River Above Akers
|
196cfs |
Meramec River Near Steelville
|
232cfs |
Little Piney Creek At Newburg
|
82cfs |
Big Piney River Near Big Piney
|
220cfs |
Big Piney Below Ft. Leonard Wood
|
279cfs |
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.
Putman Dam