Clearwater Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Clearwater Lake Dam, located in Iron County, Missouri, stands as a private-owned structure with a primary purpose of "Other." Constructed in 1971, this earth dam with a buttress core type has a height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 433 acre-feet.


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Summary

The dam serves the Left Fork river/stream and has a drainage area of 2400 acres, providing normal storage of 225 acre-feet.

Despite being unregulated by the state, Clearwater Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam, managed by the Little Rock District of the USACE, has not been inspected or assessed recently, raising concerns about its safety and emergency preparedness. Although it lacks a spillway and outlet gates, the dam remains a key structure in the region, requiring attention and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and water resources.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts intrigued by dams and their impact on the environment would find Clearwater Lake Dam a fascinating subject of study. With its unique design features and high hazard potential, this structure serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and inspection protocols for ensuring the safety and resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. Further research and monitoring of Clearwater Lake Dam could provide valuable insights into the intersection of water resource management, climate change adaptation, and dam safety protocols.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

LEFT FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Drainage Area

2400

Nid Storage

433

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.