Bay Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hensley Lake Dam Raeker Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Bay Lake Dam, located in Gasconade, Missouri, is a private recreational structure completed in 1965 with a primary purpose of providing leisure activities for enthusiasts.
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Summary
The earth dam, standing at 25 feet in height, holds back a maximum storage capacity of 67 acre-feet of water from the TR-RED OAK CREEK. Despite being unregulated by the state and having a low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment.
Situated in the Kansas City District, the Bay Lake Dam offers a serene 5-acre surface area for recreational use, with a normal storage capacity of 42 acre-feet. While the dam does not have designated spillways or outlet gates, its association with the TR-RED OAK CREEK provides a natural outlet for controlled water release. With a risk assessment, emergency action plan, and inundation maps yet to be prepared, the dam remains a key feature in the scenic landscape of NOSER MILL.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bay Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational structure that relies on natural features for water management. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's lack of condition assessment and emergency preparedness raise questions about its long-term sustainability and the potential impact on the surrounding environment. As the dam continues to serve as a popular destination for outdoor activities, further monitoring and assessment may be necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of this essential water resource feature in Gasconade, Missouri.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-RED OAK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
50 |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bourbeuse River Near High Gate
|
1cfs |
Gasconade River Near Rich Fountain
|
987cfs |
Meramec River Near Steelville
|
224cfs |
Meramec River Near Sullivan
|
461cfs |
Missouri River At Hermann
|
32900cfs |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
113cfs |
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.
Bay Lake Dam