Britton Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Doll Lake Dam Trace Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Britton Lake Dam in Zalma, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1945 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a height of 32 feet and a storage capacity of 154 acre-feet, the dam serves as a crucial water resource in the region, providing normal storage of 81 acre-feet across a surface area of 9 acres. The dam is located on the TR to Gimlet Creek, within the jurisdiction of the St. Louis District and under the supervision of the state of Missouri.
Despite its age, Britton Lake Dam has a high hazard potential due to its condition being currently unrated. The dam has not been inspected recently, and there is no emergency action plan in place. With its key role in water storage and fire protection, the dam poses a risk to the surrounding area in the event of a failure. Climate enthusiasts and water resource managers may find Britton Lake Dam to be an intriguing case study in the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO GIMLET CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
230 |
Nid Storage |
154 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
32 |
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.
Britton Lake Dam