Lake Minnie Ha-Ha Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lake Minnie Ha-Ha Dam, Lower, located in St.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Marys, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1963 primarily for recreational purposes. The dam, with a height of 27 feet, creates Lake Minnie Ha-Ha which has a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary to Saline Creek and covers a surface area of 6 acres within a drainage area of 282 square miles.
Despite being privately owned, the dam is not regulated or inspected by the state, raising concerns about its hazard potential which is categorized as high. Condition assessment of the dam is marked as "Not Rated" with the last inspection conducted in 1979. The lack of updated information on emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam further adds to the uncertainty surrounding its safety and maintenance. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Minnie Ha-Ha Dam, Lower presents an intriguing case study on the challenges of managing privately owned dams for recreational purposes while ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO SALINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
282 |
Nid Storage |
87 |
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.
Lake Minnie Ha-Ha Dam,Lower