Watson Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buckner Dam Johns Lake Dam (Shallow)
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Watson Lake Dam in Missouri, completed in 1969, serves as a recreational facility for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
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Summary
Situated in Franklin County, it spans the TR to Winch Creek and stands at a height of 32 feet with a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. While its primary purpose is for recreation, the dam also boasts a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment.
Owned privately, Watson Lake Dam offers a serene escape in the city of Pacific, attracting visitors with its 7-acre surface area and 50-acre-feet of normal storage. Although it is not regulated by the state, the dam still holds importance for local water management. With its earth dam type and buttress core structure, Watson Lake Dam is a picturesque spot for outdoor activities and nature appreciation along the tranquil waters of TR to Winch Creek.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO WINCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Drainage Area |
120 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Meramec River At Pacific
|
557cfs |
Big River At Byrnesville
|
176cfs |
Meramec River Near Eureka
|
858cfs |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
73cfs |
Bonhomme Creek Near Ellisville
|
0cfs |
Kiefer Creek Near Ballwin
|
1cfs |
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.
Watson Lake Dam