Vandewert Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Vandewert Dam, located in Paris, Missouri, along TR-FLAT CREEK, is a privately owned Grade Stabilization structure designed by USDA NRCS in 2005.


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Summary

Standing at 29 feet tall and stretching 446 feet in length, this Earth dam with a Stone core serves the primary purpose of Grade Stabilization. With a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet and a drainage area of 68 square miles, Vandewert Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Monroe County.

Despite being privately owned, Vandewert Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the state of Missouri, with no state permitting, inspection, or enforcement requirements. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition assessment. The spillway, with a width of 20 feet, is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates operate in a similar manner. Although the risk assessment for Vandewert Dam is moderate, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, indicating a potential area for improvement in emergency response preparedness.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, Vandewert Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure designed for Grade Stabilization purposes. With its strategic location along TR-FLAT CREEK and contributions to water management in Monroe County, this Earth dam showcases the importance of effective infrastructure in mitigating risks and enhancing water resource efficiency. As discussions around climate resilience and sustainable water management continue, Vandewert Dam stands as a testament to the role of innovative engineering solutions in addressing environmental challenges.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

446

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-FLAT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

68

Nid Storage

71

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.