Woodward Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Woodward Lake Dam, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, was completed in 1966 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This privately owned earth dam with a buttress core stands at 27 feet high and has a storage capacity of 101 acre-feet. Situated on TR Dickerson Creek in Cole County, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.

Managed by the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Woodward Lake Dam has not undergone recent inspections and does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place. Despite being unregulated by the state and having no enforcement or inspection protocols, the dam remains a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Its proximity to Jefferson City, combined with its scenic surroundings, make it a valuable asset for the local community.

While lacking recent updates on its condition assessment and emergency preparedness, Woodward Lake Dam continues to provide a serene setting for outdoor recreation in Missouri. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, the dam's low hazard potential and remote location on TR Dickerson Creek offer a peaceful escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR DICKERSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

170

Nid Storage

101

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.