Taylor Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ware Lake Dam Silver Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Taylor Lake Dam in Morse Mill, Missouri was completed in 1965 and is owned privately.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 27 feet, serves as a flood risk reduction measure along the TR to Big River. With a storage capacity of 29 acre-feet and a normal storage of 10 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 2 acres and drains an area of 80 square miles.
Despite being classified as low hazard potential and not having a condition assessment rating, Taylor Lake Dam plays a crucial role in fire protection, stock or small fish pond management, flood risk reduction, and recreation. The dam, primarily made of earth with a buttress core type, is not regulated by the state and does not fall under federal agency oversight. While it may not have a spillway or outlet gates, the dam continues to provide essential services to the local community while meeting the guidelines for emergency action plans.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance and functional importance of Taylor Lake Dam in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the Jefferson County area of Missouri. The dam's strategic location and purposeful design underscore the need for sustainable infrastructure to address the challenges posed by changing weather patterns and increasing water demands. As a privately owned structure with a rich array of purposes, Taylor Lake Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO BIG RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
80 |
Nid Storage |
29 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
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 |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
73cfs |
Meramec River Near Eureka
|
881cfs |
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.
Taylor Lake Dam