Porter Dam, located in Wayne County, Missouri, was completed in 1967 and stands at a height of 23 feet, with a storage capacity of 234 acre-feet.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, primarily designed for recreational purposes, sits on the TR-Wet Fork Otter Creek and is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type. Despite being privately owned, Porter Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Missouri and is not regulated or inspected by any state agency.
With a hazard potential rated as "High," Porter Dam has not been assessed for its current condition, and emergency action plans are not available. The dam poses a potential risk due to its lack of state oversight and maintenance assessments. Although primarily utilized for recreation, the dam's location and design raise concerns about its safety and long-term viability in the face of changing climate conditions and increased water demands in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the status of dams like Porter Dam is crucial for assessing the potential impacts of climate change on water resources and infrastructure. With its high hazard potential and lack of state regulation, Porter Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness for dams to ensure the safety of communities and the resilience of water resources in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WET FORK OTTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Drainage Area |
620 |
Nid Storage |
234 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
St. Francis River At Wappapello
|
695cfs |
Black River At Poplar Bluff
|
858cfs |
Black River At Leeper
|
508cfs |
St. Francis River Near Patterson
|
235cfs |
Little Black River Below Fairdealing
|
113cfs |
Castor River At Zalma
|
300cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Sulphur Springs - Lake Wappapello
|
||
Markham Springs Recreation Area
|
||
Greenville - Lake Wappapello
|