Barks Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Barks Lake Dam, located in Zalma, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam with a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1970, the dam serves a variety of purposes and is designed with a buttress core type. The dam is situated on Perkins Creek and is part of the Memphis District within the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," Barks Lake Dam has not been inspected recently. Despite its lack of state regulation and inspection, the dam remains an important structure for water resource management in the area. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment information are currently unknown, highlighting the need for further evaluation and potential updates to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam.

As a key water management infrastructure in Bollinger County, Missouri, Barks Lake Dam plays a crucial role in providing water storage and flood control for the surrounding area. While the dam's condition is not currently rated, its low hazard potential suggests a relatively low risk of failure. However, it is essential for the owners and relevant authorities to regularly assess and maintain the dam to uphold its functionality and safety for both water resource management and climate resilience purposes.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-PERKINS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

45

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.