Field Lake Dam Dam
Field Lake Dam
Field Lake Dam, located in Steelville, Missouri, is a private earth dam primarily designed for recreation purposes. Built in 1965, this dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Cherry Valley Creek, the dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, offering recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Despite its importance for recreation, Field Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." The dam has not been inspected in recent years, and there is no emergency action plan prepared, raising concerns about its safety and management. With its location in a rural area and limited oversight from state agencies, there is a need for increased monitoring and maintenance to ensure the dam's integrity and safe operation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Field Lake Dam presents a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental impact. As discussions around dam safety and management continue to evolve, the case of Field Lake Dam highlights the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks and protect vital water resources for communities. By raising awareness and advocating for proper oversight and maintenance, enthusiasts can contribute to the long-term sustainability of dams like Field Lake Dam and their surrounding ecosystems.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Field Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Meramec River Near Steelville | 786 cfs | → |
| Meramec River At Cook Station | 114 cfs | → |
| Meramec River Near Sullivan | 1,730 cfs | → |
| Bourbeuse River Near High Gate | 529 cfs | → |
| Big River At Irondale | 67 cfs | → |
| Little Piney Creek At Newburg | 116 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Field Lake Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Field Lake Dam
Where does the data for Field Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.