G.W. Morris Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

G.W.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Morris is a privately owned Earth dam located in Bates, Missouri, along Mulberry Creek. It was completed in 1998 by the USDA NRCS and serves various purposes, with a primary purpose classified as "Other". The dam has a height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 14 feet, with a structural height of 18 feet. It has a storage capacity of 221 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9 acres, while its drainage area is 300.8 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, G.W. Morris has not been rated for its condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet and lacks outlet gates. It is not regulated or inspected by the state, and has not been modified since its completion in 1998. While the dam has not undergone an official condition assessment, its risk management measures and emergency action plan status are unknown. Overall, G.W. Morris presents an interesting case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its unique design and lack of state regulation.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

96

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

MULBERRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

300.8

Nid Storage

221

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.