W J Slais Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
W J Slais Dam, located in Gasconade, Missouri, is a private recreational dam completed in 1960 with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 20 feet, this earth dam with buttress core type has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5 acres. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, and there is no information available on its inspection frequency or emergency action plan preparedness.
Situated on the TR MAX BRANCH of the Kansas City District, W J Slais Dam offers visitors a serene environment for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. Although not regulated by the state and lacking in specific federal agency oversight, the dam serves as a vital water resource for the local community. With a drainage area of 90 square miles, the dam provides essential water storage for irrigation and maintaining ecological balance in the area.
Overall, W J Slais Dam stands as a testament to the importance of private initiatives in water resource management and climate resilience. While its condition assessment may be lacking, the dam's low hazard potential, coupled with its recreational benefits and storage capacity, highlights the significance of such structures in supporting community well-being and environmental sustainability in the region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR MAX BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
90 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bourbeuse River Near High Gate
|
1cfs |
Meramec River Near Sullivan
|
461cfs |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
113cfs |
Meramec River Near Steelville
|
224cfs |
Gasconade River Near Rich Fountain
|
987cfs |
Missouri River At Hermann
|
32900cfs |
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.
W J Slais Dam