Garfield Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Garfield Lake Dam, located in Barton County, Missouri, serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1976, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans a length of 2354 feet, with a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-WEST FORK river or stream, the dam is owned privately and is not regulated by the state, with a low hazard potential rating.

Although the dam has not been inspected recently and its condition is not rated, it is considered to have a moderate risk level. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 40 feet, and there are no outlet gates associated with the structure. Despite the lack of state regulation and inspections, Garfield Lake Dam remains a significant feature in the region's water resource management, providing essential irrigation support to the surrounding area.

With its stone core and soil foundation, Garfield Lake Dam exemplifies the engineering ingenuity involved in water management infrastructure. While it may not be a high-risk structure, its role in maintaining water resources for agriculture underscores the importance of understanding and monitoring the condition of such dams in the face of changing climate patterns and water availability challenges.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

2354

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-WEST FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

268.8

Nid Storage

175

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
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.