Garms Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 2, 2026
Located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Garms Lake Dam is a private-owned structure built in 1968 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at 32 feet high and has a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 58 acre-feet. It is categorized as an earth dam with a buttress core type and is situated on the TR-CAPE LA CROIX river or stream.
Despite being non-regulated by the state and having a high hazard potential, Garms Lake Dam has not been assessed for its condition since its last inspection in 1980. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps are also unknown. With its captivating location and purpose for recreation, this dam on the St. Louis District promises to be an intriguing site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and learn more about its engineering and management.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CAPE LA CROIX |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
22 |
Nid Storage |
103 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mississippi River At Thebes
|
92700cfs |
Castor River At Zalma
|
173cfs |
Big Muddy River At Rte 127 At Murphysboro
|
159cfs |
South Fork Saline Creek Near Perryville
|
10cfs |
Cache River At Forman
|
33cfs |
Little River Ditch No. 1 Near Morehouse
|
112cfs |
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.
Garms Lake Dam