St. Joe State Park Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Located in St.
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Summary
Francois County, Missouri, the St. Joe State Park Dam stands as a vital structure for water resource management in the area. Completed in 1965, this Rockfill dam plays a significant role in tailings management, with a height of 130 feet and a storage capacity of 54,166 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of the Shaw Branch-Flat River, covering a drainage area of 3,256 acres and providing essential flood control measures.
Managed by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG and regulated by the state of Missouri, the St. Joe State Park Dam boasts a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet safety guidelines and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam remains a crucial asset for maintaining water resources and climate resilience in the region.
Featuring an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates, the St. Joe State Park Dam serves as a vital component of the water infrastructure in St. Francois County. With a surface area of 970 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 12,100 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. As a key structure in the area, the dam represents a blend of engineering excellence and environmental stewardship, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
2930 |
Dam Height |
130 |
River Or Stream |
SHAW BRANCH-FLAT RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
970 |
Hydraulic Height |
115 |
Drainage Area |
3256 |
Nid Storage |
54166 |
Structural Height |
134 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
134 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
St. Joe State Park Dam