Thompson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Thompson Lake Dam, located in Ralls County, Missouri, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, with an earth core and buttress structure, stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Nichols Creek, the dam poses a high hazard potential, though its condition assessment is currently not rated. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam does not fall under state jurisdiction for regulation, permitting, inspection, or enforcement.

The dam, completed in an unspecified year, has a normal storage capacity of 19 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres. It is located in Hatch, Missouri, within the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While the dam does not have any associated structures or outlet gates, it serves as a crucial recreational site in the area. Although there is no recent inspection data available, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unspecified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Thompson Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in private dam ownership and recreational usage. Its high hazard potential and lack of state regulation raise important questions about dam safety and emergency preparedness. Further research and monitoring of this dam could provide valuable insights into the intersection of private ownership, recreational infrastructure, and water resource management in the region.

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-NICHOLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

21

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds