Snowbarger Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tallman Dam Don Newcomb Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Snowbarger Dam, located in Memphis, Missouri, along the TR-North Fabius River, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1991 for the primary purpose of grade stabilization.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 33 feet and a length of 293 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 17 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Snowbarger Dam has not been rated for its condition and does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place.
Managed by private owners, Snowbarger Dam plays a crucial role in controlling water flow along the river and providing essential services to the local community. While the dam does not fall under state jurisdiction or regulation, its strategic location and design contribute to the overall water resource management in Schuyler County, Missouri. With a spillway width of 10 feet and a maximum discharge of 5 cubic feet per second, the dam's uncontrolled spillway ensures the safety and stability of the structure during periods of high water levels.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Snowbarger Dam offers a fascinating insight into the engineering and management of small-scale earth dams in rural areas. Its utilization for multiple purposes highlights the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for various community needs. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the role of dams like Snowbarger in mitigating risks and providing essential services becomes increasingly relevant for ensuring the resilience of our water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1991 |
Dam Length |
293 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH FABIUS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
332.8 |
Nid Storage |
17 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
Chariton River At Livonia
|
45cfs |
Chariton River Near Moulton
|
34cfs |
Chariton River At Novinger
|
86cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
Chariton River Near Rathbun
|
15cfs |
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.
Snowbarger Dam