Little Bear Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Little Bear Lake Dam, located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is a privately-owned structure primarily used for recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the TR-CAPE LA CROIX river and covers a surface area of 7 acres, with a drainage area of 75 square miles.

Despite being privately owned, Little Bear Lake Dam has a high hazard potential, indicating the potential risk associated with its failure. However, the condition assessment is currently not rated, and the last inspection was conducted in 1980. The dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, suggesting potential limitations for effective water management. With its scenic location and recreational purpose, this dam serves as an important feature in the local landscape but also raises concerns about its safety and maintenance.

As a significant site for water enthusiasts and climate advocates, Little Bear Lake Dam offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of human activity and natural resources. With its design as an earth dam with buttress core types, the dam's construction and management reflect the balance between water recreation and environmental conservation. While its high hazard potential raises concerns, the lack of recent inspections and condition assessments calls for increased scrutiny and maintenance to ensure the safety and longevity of this important water resource in Missouri.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-CAPE LA CROIX

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

75

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

32
       
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.