Brown Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Brown Lake Dam, located in Washington, Missouri, is a privately owned structure with a height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 273 acre-feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1982, this earth dam sits on a tributary of St. John's Creek and serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. With a surface area of 17 acres and a drainage area of 175 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and storage in the region.
Despite being privately owned, Brown Lake Dam has a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring. The dam's condition is currently not rated, and there is no information available on its emergency action plan or risk assessment measures. With a history of no state regulation, inspection, or enforcement, it is essential for the owner to prioritize the safety and integrity of this critical infrastructure to prevent any potential risks or hazards.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Brown Lake Dam offers a fascinating insight into the management of water resources in the region. Its location in Franklin County, Missouri, and proximity to the St. Louis District add to its significance in the local ecosystem. As a privately owned structure with a high hazard potential, the dam presents a unique case study for understanding the challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining and regulating essential water infrastructure in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1982 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. OF ST. JOHN'S CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Drainage Area |
175 |
Nid Storage |
273 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
85cfs |
Meramec River At Pacific
|
574cfs |
Bonhomme Creek Near Ellisville
|
0cfs |
Dardenne Creek At Ofallon
|
8cfs |
Missouri River At Hermann
|
28400cfs |
Big River At Byrnesville
|
176cfs |
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.
Brown Lake Dam
Downtown Washington