Smitty's Catfish Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pogue Lake Dam Newman Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Madison, Missouri, Smitty's Catfish Pond Dam stands as a private recreational haven that provides 116 acre-feet of storage for water enthusiasts.
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Summary
Built in 1961, this earth dam with a buttress core type reaches a height of 27 feet and spans a surface area of 8 acres. While the dam is primarily used for recreational purposes, its high hazard potential necessitates careful monitoring and maintenance.
Despite being deemed as having a high hazard potential, Smitty's Catfish Pond Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, with the last inspection conducted in February 1981. The dam's location along the TR to Greasy Creek offers a serene setting for visitors, but its lack of state regulation and inspection raises concerns about its long-term safety and resilience. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in the potential risks and management measures associated with this unregulated structure.
As a recreational dam in a private setting, Smitty's Catfish Pond Dam serves as a hidden gem in the scenic landscape of Missouri. With its unique design and historical significance dating back to the 1960s, this dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of human intervention in natural water systems. However, the lack of recent inspections and condition assessments highlights the need for increased awareness and potential risk mitigation strategies for this beloved local landmark.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO GREASY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
610 |
Nid Storage |
116 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Smitty's Catfish Pond Dam