Yarger Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Yarger Lake Dam, located in Laurie, Missouri, is a private-owned structure designed by Bill Chapman and completed in 1973 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and stretches 500 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 813 acre-feet of water. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program in Missouri, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a significant hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Yarger Lake Dam poses a moderate risk to the surrounding area. Despite being deemed safe, the dam has not undergone any modifications since its last inspection in 1987. Situated on the TR to Soap Creek, the dam covers a surface area of 15 acres and has a drainage area of 220 square miles. In case of emergencies, the dam does not have outlet gates but relies on an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 15 feet to manage excess water flow.

Overall, Yarger Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in Morgan County, providing opportunities for water-based activities for locals and visitors alike. Its strategic location and design contribute to the surrounding ecosystem and offer a glimpse into the intersection of water resource management and climate adaptation in the region.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

TR TO SOAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

220

Nid Storage

813

Structural Height

48

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

48
       
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.