Ellis Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ellis Lake Dam, located in Perry County, Missouri, was completed in 1973 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet, making it a significant structure in the area. The dam is situated on the TR-Blue Spring Branch and is owned privately, with no state jurisdiction or regulation.

Despite its high hazard potential, Ellis Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in December 1980, highlighting the need for a more recent evaluation of its safety and structural integrity. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures remain unclear, raising concerns among water resource and climate enthusiasts about the potential risks associated with this critical infrastructure.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor Ellis Lake Dam, there is a growing urgency for updated inspections, condition assessments, and emergency preparedness measures. With its private ownership and lack of state regulation, there is a need for increased oversight and risk management to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. As discussions on dam safety and infrastructure resilience gain momentum, Ellis Lake Dam serves as a focal point for ongoing efforts to address the challenges and potential threats posed by aging dams in the region.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-BLUE SPRING BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

130

Nid Storage

62

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.