Welschmeyer's Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Welschmeyer's Dam, located in Osage County, Missouri, along the Gasconade River, was completed in 1978 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

It stands at a height of 28 feet and has a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The dam is privately owned and is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type. Its hazard potential is rated as high, although its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated."

Despite being used primarily for irrigation, Welschmeyer's Dam also serves recreational purposes and covers a surface area of 5 acres. While it does not have a spillway, it is built to withstand maximum discharge levels. The dam is not regulated or inspected by the state and has not been assigned an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or undergone a risk assessment. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 100 square miles, making the dam a vital resource for water management in the region. For enthusiasts of water resources and climate, Welschmeyer's Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure with significant implications for the local ecosystem and community.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-GASCONADE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

100

Nid Storage

75

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.