Holmes Family Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Holmes Family Lake Dam, located in Maries County, Missouri, is a privately-owned Earth dam that was completed in 2012.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 37.5 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 46.4 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of water resource management. The dam regulates the flow of the Tributary Little Bourbeus River and covers a surface area of 40.9 acres, with a drainage area of 515 square miles.

With a spillway type classified as "Uncontrolled" and a significant hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular state inspections, enforcement, and regulatory oversight by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program in Missouri. Despite the moderate risk assessment of 3, the overall condition of the dam is considered satisfactory as of the last assessment in November 2012. The inspection frequency is set at 5 years to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the dam for the surrounding community of High Gate.

Holmes Family Lake Dam not only serves as a vital water resource for the area but also highlights the importance of proper dam management and safety protocols in mitigating potential risks. The dam's location, design, and capacity play a crucial role in safeguarding the local ecosystem, residents, and infrastructure from the impacts of flooding and water scarcity. As a significant structure in the Kansas City District, the dam's presence underscores the ongoing efforts to balance water resource utilization with environmental conservation and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

2012

Dam Height

37.5

River Or Stream

TRIB LITTLE BOURBEUS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40.9

Hydraulic Height

37.5

Drainage Area

515

Nid Storage

46.4

Structural Height

37.5

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
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.