Lake Julia Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Julia Dam, located in Wayne County, Missouri, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering capabilities of its time.


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Summary

Built in 1974, this private-owned earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a tranquil oasis for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With a structural height of 34 feet and a storage capacity of 382 acre-feet, Lake Julia Dam provides not only a scenic backdrop but also important water resource management for the surrounding area.

Despite its age, Lake Julia Dam continues to play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, supporting a surface area of 21 acres and draining a watershed of 335 acres. However, with a hazard potential rated as high and a condition assessment that remains unrated, the dam poses significant challenges in terms of risk management and safety. The last inspection date dating back to 1979 highlights the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the integrity of this vital infrastructure.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the significance of structures like Lake Julia Dam becomes even more pronounced. With the potential for increased extreme weather events and flooding, the need for proactive risk assessment and management measures is paramount. For enthusiasts of water resources and climate adaptation, Lake Julia Dam serves as a case study in the intersection of recreation, conservation, and resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-BARNES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21

Drainage Area

335

Nid Storage

382

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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.