Powder Spring Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Powder Spring Lake Dam, located in Washington County, Missouri, is a private Earth dam completed in 1964 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 28 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 195 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 107 acre-feet. The dam impounds water from the Bust Branch O Mill Creek, creating a surface area of 13 acres and draining a total area of 2760 acres.

Despite being privately owned, Powder Spring Lake Dam has a high hazard potential, although its condition assessment remains unrated. The last inspection was conducted in July 1979, indicating a potential need for updated safety evaluations. With no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) currently in place, the dam's risk management measures and adherence to guidelines for emergency preparedness are unclear. It is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor the safety and maintenance of Powder Spring Lake Dam to ensure the protection of downstream communities and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

BUST BRANCH O MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

2760

Nid Storage

195

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.