Lake Wata Dam dam
Lake Wata Dam
Lake Wata Dam, located in Randolph, Missouri, is a state-owned structure primarily used for recreation and water supply purposes. Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet, with a length of 1270 feet and a storage capacity of 271 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type, has a width of 45 feet, and the maximum discharge capacity is 248 cubic feet per second. With a surface area of 22 acres and a drainage area of 76 square miles, Lake Wata Dam offers a picturesque setting for outdoor activities and serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.
Managed by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG in Missouri, Lake Wata Dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition. The dam has undergone state inspection and enforcement, with a moderate risk assessment rating. The last inspection was conducted in March 2014, with a scheduled frequency of every 5 years. While there are no associated locks, outlet gates, or other structures, Lake Wata Dam remains a reliable and essential component of the local water management infrastructure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Wata Dam presents an intriguing example of how earth dams can effectively balance recreational and water supply purposes. With its scenic location and functional design, this dam serves as a critical asset for the community while ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding environment. As efforts continue to maintain and manage this structure, Lake Wata Dam stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Wata Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| East Fork Little Chariton R. Nr Huntsville | 7 cfs | → |
| Chariton River Near Prairie Hill | 1,410 cfs | → |
| Elk Fork Salt River Near Madison | 22 cfs | → |
| Moniteau Creek Near Fayette | 336 cfs | → |
| Missouri River At Glasgow | 68,400 cfs | → |
| Middle Fork Salt River Near Holliday | 27 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Wata Dam.
Track Lake Wata Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Wata Dam
Where does the data for Lake Wata Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Wata Dam.