Ted's Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ted's Lake Dam in Missouri is a privately-owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1957, this earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 273 acre-feet. Located in Cole County, Ted's Lake Dam is situated along the Osage River and covers a surface area of 17 acres within a drainage area of 390 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Ted's Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. With no state jurisdiction or regulatory agency overseeing its operations, the dam remains uninspected and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in case of emergencies. The dam's current risk assessment, management measures, and inundation maps are also not available, raising concerns about the potential risks posed by this structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Ted's Lake Dam, its unique design and historical significance provide an intriguing case study for understanding the challenges and implications of privately-owned dams. While the dam's primary purpose of recreation adds to the local landscape, the lack of state oversight and maintenance raises questions about its safety and long-term sustainability. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of proper management and risk assessment for structures like Ted's Lake Dam becomes increasingly critical to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR OSAGE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Drainage Area

390

Nid Storage

273

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.