Mothershead Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Draper Lake Dam Anton Niederkorn Dam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Mothershead Lake Dam, located in Caney, Missouri, is a private dam completed in 1971 with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 25 feet and a length of 285 feet, this Earth type dam is crucial for grade stabilization in the area. With a storage capacity of 33 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 10 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite being privately owned, Mothershead Lake Dam is not regulated by the state and has a low hazard potential. The dam's condition assessment is currently rated as "Not Rated," and there have been no recent inspections or updates to emergency action plans. However, the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this vital water resource infrastructure.
As an enthusiast for water resources and climate, Mothershead Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in how private entities can play a crucial role in managing water resources for fish and wildlife habitats. With its unique design and purpose, the dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in the region, helping to stabilize grades and regulate water flow in Caney Creek. As efforts to address climate change and water management continue to evolve, understanding the role of dams like Mothershead Lake in supporting ecosystems and water resource management is essential for enthusiasts in the field.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
285 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CANEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
59 |
Nid Storage |
33 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mississippi River At Thebes
|
96800cfs |
Little River Ditch No. 1 Near Morehouse
|
148cfs |
Castor River At Zalma
|
266cfs |
Cache River At Forman
|
23cfs |
Bayou Creek Near Grahamville
|
5cfs |
St. Francis River At Wappapello
|
687cfs |
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.
Mothershead Lake Dam