Bowman Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bowman Lake Dam, located in Maries County, Missouri, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1954, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a storage capacity of 111 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 60 acre-feet. The dam overlooks TR to Fly Creek and covers a surface area of 9 acres, serving as a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Despite being privately owned, Bowman Lake Dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and the potential risk it poses to downstream areas. However, the condition of the dam is currently rated as "Not Rated", with the last inspection taking place in January 1981. The dam does not fall under state regulation, permitting, inspection, or enforcement, raising concerns about its overall safety and maintenance.

With no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place and limited information on risk assessment and management measures, Bowman Lake Dam represents a potential safety concern for the surrounding area. It is crucial for the owners to prioritize regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety of both the dam and the community downstream.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR TO FLY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

55

Nid Storage

111

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.