Lake Carmel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Carmel Dam, located in Cole County, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1972 for the primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 37 feet and stretching 1,150 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 796 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 43 acres. It is regulated by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program in Missouri, ensuring state permitting, inspection, and enforcement are conducted to maintain its safety and integrity.

With a high hazard potential but satisfactory condition assessment as of 2007, Lake Carmel Dam poses a moderate risk level and undergoes regular inspections every three years. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and lack of outlet gates, the dam's construction by A. Lepper and P.S. Thomas has provided a reliable water resource and recreation area for residents and visitors to enjoy. While there are no associated structures or locks, the dam remains a vital component of the TR Clark Fork river system in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Managed by private owners, Lake Carmel Dam plays a crucial role in water management and flood control in the region, with a drainage area of 270 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 565 cubic feet per second. The dam's location and design contribute to its significance as a recreational hub and essential infrastructure for the local community. Despite its age, Lake Carmel Dam continues to serve as a testament to effective dam regulation and maintenance to ensure public safety and water resource sustainability.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

1150

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

TR CLARK FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

43

Drainage Area

270

Nid Storage

796

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
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.