Wurtzberger Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Wurtzberger Dam, located in Williamstown, Missouri, serves as a vital structure for grade stabilization along the TR-North Fabius River.


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Summary

Completed in 1994, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 112 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 85 acre-feet and a surface area of 12 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 10 feet, is uncontrolled, and the hazard potential is rated as low. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the risk assessment for Wurtzberger Dam is moderate. While there are no associated lock structures, the dam serves its primary purpose of grade stabilization effectively. Its location, in Lewis County, Missouri, highlights its significance in mitigating potential flooding risks and managing water flow within the drainage area of 230 square miles.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wurtzberger Dam represents a modern engineering feat that contributes to the overall water management infrastructure in the region. With its strategic placement along the TR-North Fabius River and its low hazard potential, the dam stands as a reliable structure for maintaining water levels and ensuring environmental stability. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Wurtzberger Dam play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from potential risks and hazards related to water management.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

383

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-NORTH FABIUS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

230

Nid Storage

112

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.