Alter Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brent Lake Dam Stace Shannon Lake
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Alter Dam, located in Hardy Ark, Missouri, is a private Earth type structure completed in 1974, serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond with a primary purpose of providing habitat for aquatic life.
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Summary
With a dam height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 24 feet, Alter Dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 127 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 8.1 acres. The dam is situated on the TR-SOUTH FORK SPRING RIVER, with a drainage area of 300.8 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 330 cubic feet per second.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Alter Dam holds a low hazard potential and is deemed to have a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 47 feet, and does not have any associated locks or outlet gates. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, it undergoes periodic inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Alter Dam provides a valuable recreational space and contributes to the conservation of wildlife in the area, making it a significant asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and study.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH FORK SPRING RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
300.8 |
Nid Storage |
127 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mammoth Spring At Mammoth Spring
|
428cfs |
Spring River At Town Branch Bridge At Hardy
|
393cfs |
North Fork River Near Tecumseh
|
372cfs |
Bryant Creek Near Tecumseh
|
212cfs |
Eleven Point River Near Bardley
|
556cfs |
White River At Calico Rock
|
3450cfs |
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.
Alter Dam