Bluestem Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Bluestem Lake Dam, also known as Oberle Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Novinger, Missouri, along Walnut Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1994, this earth dam stands at a height of 26.6 feet and serves primarily for grade stabilization purposes. With a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.9 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Although not regulated by the state, Bluestem Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. Despite its low risk, the dam has a moderate risk level with a DSAC risk rating of 3. With an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates, the dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 10 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not been inspected recently, its risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unclear.

Overall, Bluestem Lake Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in Adair County, Missouri, ensuring the stability of Walnut Creek and providing essential grade stabilization benefits. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment highlights the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and protect surrounding communities from potential risks associated with dam failure.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

302

Dam Height

26.6

River Or Stream

WALNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.9

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

38.4

Nid Storage

30

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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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.