Hayes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hayes Dam, located on TR Baker Branch in Phelps County, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 2005 for grade stabilization purposes.


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Summary

Designed by the USDA NRCS, the dam stands at a height of 19 feet with a structural height of 24 feet and a length of 490 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 52.9 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 32.6 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 12.8 square miles.

Despite being unregulated by the state, Hayes Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in a not-rated condition assessment. The spillway, outlet gates, and locks are all uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 16 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. With its location in a rural area and minimal associated structures, Hayes Dam serves as an essential infrastructure for managing water resources and ensuring grade stability in the region.

While not under the jurisdiction of federal agencies, Hayes Dam remains an important component of the local water management system, providing flood control benefits and maintaining water quality in TR Baker Branch. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the dam's design, construction, and operational details offer insights into sustainable infrastructure development and the importance of maintaining critical structures for environmental protection and community safety in rural areas like Phelps County, Missouri.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR BAKER BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

12.8

Nid Storage

52.9

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.