Epple Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jasper Lake Dam Benson Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Epple Lake Dam, located in Gasconade, Missouri, is a privately-owned recreational dam completed in 1970 on the TR-Frene Creek.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 25 feet, the earth dam offers a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains ungraded, with no recent inspection data available.
Managed by the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Epple Lake Dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking outdoor activities in the Hermann area. With no state jurisdiction or regulation, the dam operates without state permitting, inspection, or enforcement protocols in place. The lack of critical infrastructure such as a spillway or outlet gates raises concerns about emergency preparedness and risk management measures.
While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment remain unknown, its location and design as a buttress earth dam raise questions about the potential impact of a failure on the surrounding environment. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique features and management practices of Epple Lake Dam offer insight into the complexities of private dam ownership and the importance of proactive safety measures in safeguarding both recreational assets and downstream communities.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FRENE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
20 |
Nid Storage |
40 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Missouri River At Hermann
|
31200cfs |
Gasconade River Near Rich Fountain
|
960cfs |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
110cfs |
Maries River At Westphalia
|
16cfs |
Bourbeuse River Near High Gate
|
1cfs |
Cuivre River Near Troy
|
29cfs |
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.
Epple Lake Dam