Cowan Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cowan Lake Dam, located in Maries County, Missouri, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Constructed in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. The dam, primarily owned by a private entity, is used for recreational activities and is situated along the TR to Little Bourbeuse Creek.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Cowan Lake Dam poses a low hazard potential with a condition assessment that is currently not rated. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment are also not specified in the available data. However, the dam's location in a rural area and its low hazard potential indicate that it is likely well-maintained and poses little risk to downstream communities in case of a breach.
As an essential part of the local water resource infrastructure, Cowan Lake Dam provides valuable benefits to the surrounding community while also offering opportunities for recreation. Its historical significance and ongoing role in water management make it a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of human development and natural ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO LITTLE BOURBEUSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
70 |
Nid Storage |
40 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bourbeuse River Near High Gate
|
2cfs |
Gasconade River Near Rich Fountain
|
1030cfs |
Little Piney Creek At Newburg
|
82cfs |
Meramec River Near Steelville
|
244cfs |
Gasconade River At Jerome
|
944cfs |
Meramec River At Cook Station
|
47cfs |
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.
Cowan Lake Dam