Lac Emerald Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lac Lafitte Dam Lac Calista Dam
Last Updated: March 11, 2026
Located in Blackwell, Missouri, Lac Emerald Dam is a private rockfill dam completed in 1977 for recreational purposes.
Summary
Standing at a height of 32 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5 acres. Despite being privately owned, Lac Emerald Dam is not regulated or inspected by any state agency, posing a high hazard potential due to its condition being labeled as "Not Rated."
Situated on the TR BIG RIVER, Lac Emerald Dam not only provides a picturesque recreational spot but also serves as a critical water resource in St. Francois County. With a drainage area of 45 square miles, this dam plays a significant role in managing water flow and storage in the region. Although lacking in official state oversight, the dam's strategic location and design make it a vital asset for the local community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lac Emerald Dam offers a fascinating case study of a privately owned structure playing a crucial role in water management and recreation. Despite its unregulated status and high hazard potential, the dam's significance in providing water storage and recreational opportunities highlights the complex interplay between private ownership, public safety, and environmental stewardship in the realm of water resource management.
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Wind
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Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR BIG RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
45 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big River Below Desloge
|
709cfs |
Big River At Irondale
|
464cfs |
Big River Near Richwoods
|
1540cfs |
East Fork Black River Nr Lesterville
|
95cfs |
Little St. Francis River At Fredericktown
|
357cfs |
St. Francis River Near Mill Creek
|
979cfs |
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.
Lac Emerald Dam