Yows Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Yows Lake Dam, located in Eldon, Missouri, was completed in 1977 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
This privately owned Earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 80 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary to Wilkes Creek and covers a surface area of 10 acres, draining a 200-acre watershed.
Despite its low hazard potential, Yows Lake Dam does not fall under state regulation or inspection. The condition of the dam is currently not rated, and there is no emergency action plan in place. While the dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, it continues to provide essential services to the local community and supports recreational activities in the area. The dam's location within Morgan County, Missouri, adds to its importance in water resource management for the region.
Yows Lake Dam, owned and operated by a private entity, plays a crucial role in supporting the surrounding ecosystem and providing essential water resources for fire protection and recreational activities. With its strategic location and storage capacity, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for managing water supply and sustaining the local environment. While it may not be subject to regular inspections or state regulations, the dam's significance in the region cannot be understated for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO WILKES CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Drainage Area |
200 |
Nid Storage |
160 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Osage River Near Bagnell
|
1020cfs |
Osage River Below St. Thomas
|
1450cfs |
Moreau River Near Jefferson City
|
111cfs |
Lamine River Near Otterville
|
40cfs |
Missouri River At Jefferson City
|
37000cfs |
Niangua River At Tunnel Dam Near Macks Creek
|
263cfs |
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.
Yows Lake Dam