Rieffer Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rieffer Lake Dam in Washington, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1957 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 23 feet and a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet, this dam on TR-GOOSE CREEK offers a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy outdoor activities. Despite not being regulated by the state or federal agencies, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.

Located in IRONDALE, Rieffer Lake Dam is a historic structure with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities to the local community. The dam's earth construction and buttress core type make it a unique feature in the landscape, offering a glimpse into the engineering techniques of the past. While the dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, its low hazard potential and unregulated status indicate that it is a safe and stable structure for visitors to enjoy.

For those interested in exploring the natural beauty of Missouri, Rieffer Lake Dam provides a peaceful retreat with its 7-acre surface area and surrounding drainage area of 250 acres. While the dam has not been rated for its condition or undergone recent inspections, its low hazard potential suggests that it is a reliable and scenic destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts to discover and appreciate.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-GOOSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

250

Nid Storage

86

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.