Benson Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Benson Lake Dam, located in Gasconade, Missouri, is a private dam built in 1966 primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Situated on Frene Creek, the dam has a surface area of 4 acres and serves a drainage area of 144 square miles.
Despite being privately owned, Benson Lake Dam has a high hazard potential, which raises concerns about its safety and maintenance. The dam has not been rated for its condition, and the last inspection took place in 1980. With no emergency action plan in place and limited information on risk management measures, there is a need for increased oversight and monitoring to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.
Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate change may find Benson Lake Dam to be a significant case study. The dam's historical significance, in combination with its location in a high-risk area, highlights the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness for dams across the country. As the climate continues to change, the need for resilient infrastructure and proactive risk management strategies becomes increasingly vital for the protection of communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
FRENE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
144 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Missouri River At Hermann
|
31200cfs |
Gasconade River Near Rich Fountain
|
960cfs |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
110cfs |
Maries River At Westphalia
|
16cfs |
Bourbeuse River Near High Gate
|
1cfs |
Cuivre River Near Troy
|
29cfs |
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.
Benson Lake Dam