Ware Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Taylor Lake Dam Lake Lorene Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Ware Lake Dam, located in Morse Mill, Missouri, was completed in 1955 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, classified as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type, stands at a height of 28 feet and has a storage capacity of 225 acre-feet. Despite its small size, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition not being rated and lacking regular inspections.
With a drainage area of 450 acres and a surface area of 15 acres, Ware Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. However, the dam does not fall under state regulation or permitting, raising concerns about its safety measures and emergency preparedness. The dam's proximity to the TR to Big River underscores the importance of monitoring its structural integrity and implementing necessary risk management measures to ensure the safety of downstream communities and the environment.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the need for proper maintenance and monitoring of dams like Ware Lake Dam becomes increasingly vital. Enthusiasts and stakeholders in water resource management and climate resilience must advocate for improved regulatory oversight, regular inspections, and emergency preparedness measures to mitigate the potential risks associated with this high-hazard dam.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO BIG RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Drainage Area |
450 |
Nid Storage |
225 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big River Near Richwoods
|
149cfs |
Big River At Byrnesville
|
158cfs |
Meramec River At Pacific
|
520cfs |
Meramec River Near Sullivan
|
347cfs |
Meramec River Near Eureka
|
881cfs |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
73cfs |
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.
Ware Lake Dam