Davis Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Davis Lake Dam, located in Morse Mill, Missouri, is a private earth dam completed in 1968 primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 30 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 48 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 30 feet. Despite being privately owned, the dam is not regulated or inspected by the state, presenting a high hazard potential with an unassessed condition.

The dam, situated on TR-Tyrey Creek in Washington County, Missouri, is managed without federal involvement or funding, operating solely for recreation. With a surface area of 3 acres and a drainage area of 75 square miles, Davis Lake Dam holds significant water resources in the region. However, lacking a spillway and emergency preparedness plan, the dam poses potential risks to the surrounding community in case of failure, highlighting the importance of adequate safety measures for water resource management in the area.

While Davis Lake Dam provides recreational opportunities, its high hazard potential and unregulated status call for increased attention to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, proper management and monitoring of dams like Davis Lake Dam are essential to mitigate risks and protect both the environment and local communities from potential water-related disasters.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-TYREY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

75

Nid Storage

48

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.