Crystal Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Crystal Lake Dam, located in Anthonies Mill, Missouri, is a private dam managed by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1980, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 65 feet and spans 1260 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1770 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 52 acres for activities such as fishing and boating on the Harris Branch river.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2007, Crystal Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, prompting biennial inspections to ensure its safety. With a moderate risk assessment level of 3, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of Missouri. In the event of an emergency, the dam lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), raising concerns about its preparedness for potential risks and disasters.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Crystal Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned recreational structure with both environmental and safety implications. Its location in Washington County, Missouri, and the involvement of the state regulatory agency highlight the importance of balancing water management for leisure activities with the need for proper risk assessment and emergency preparedness in the face of potential hazards.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

1260

Dam Height

65

River Or Stream

HARRIS BRANCH

Surface Area

52

Drainage Area

667

Nid Storage

1770

Structural Height

65

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

65
       
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.