Lake Maxwell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Maxwell Dam, also known as Sandbothe Lake Dam, is a private earth dam located in Maries, Missouri.


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Summary

Built in 1999 by designer Robert M. Heagles, the dam stands at a height of 80 feet and stretches 1540 feet in length. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, providing a storage capacity of 3343 acre-feet and a surface area of 107 acres.

Managed by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program in Missouri, Lake Maxwell Dam poses a high hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2009. The dam has a spillway width of 55 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1607 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks emergency action plans and inundation maps, raising concerns for effective risk management in case of emergencies.

Located on Indian Creek in Maries County, Lake Maxwell Dam offers recreational opportunities while also serving as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find the engineering and regulatory aspects of the dam fascinating, as it navigates the balance between recreation and safety in a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

1540

Dam Height

80

River Or Stream

INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

107

Drainage Area

978

Nid Storage

3343

Structural Height

77

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

80
       
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.