Ben Branch Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Acres Dam Lake Isabell Dam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Ben Branch Dam, also known as Ben Branch Lake Dam, is a state-owned structure located in Luystown, Missouri.
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Summary
Completed in 1984, this earth dam stands at a height of 51 feet and spans 850 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 1,210 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is to serve as a fish and wildlife pond, providing essential habitat for local flora and fauna.
Managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ben Branch Dam is regulated and inspected by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program to ensure its safety and effectiveness. With a high hazard potential due to its location and size, the dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of December 2007. In the event of an emergency, an emergency action plan is in place, although it was last revised in November 2012.
Surrounded by 44 acres of surface area and draining an area of 625 acres, Ben Branch Dam not only enhances the local ecosystem but also offers recreational opportunities for visitors. With its uncontrolled spillway and slide outlet gates, the dam remains a crucial part of the water resource management infrastructure in Osage County, Missouri, catering to the needs of both wildlife and humans alike.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
51 |
River Or Stream |
BEN BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
44 |
Drainage Area |
625 |
Nid Storage |
1210 |
Structural Height |
51 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
51 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gasconade River Near Rich Fountain
|
960cfs |
Maries River At Westphalia
|
16cfs |
Missouri River At Jefferson City
|
32600cfs |
Missouri River At Hermann
|
31200cfs |
Moreau River Near Jefferson City
|
61cfs |
Osage River Below St. Thomas
|
1200cfs |
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.
Ben Branch Dam