Talbot Dam dam
Talbot Dam
Talbot Dam, located in Edwards, Missouri, is a privately-owned structure that was completed in 1971 for the primary purpose of recreation. The dam is an earth-type structure with a buttress core, standing at a height of 30 feet and offering a storage capacity of 128 acre-feet. Situated on the TR to Starks Creek, the dam serves to create a surface area of 8 acres and drain a watershed area of 130 acres.
Despite its recreational focus, Talbot Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently marked as 'Not Rated'. The dam does not fall under state regulation, permitting, inspection, or enforcement, with no established emergency action plan in place. While the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness are unclear, the structure remains a valuable resource for water enthusiasts and climate advocates in the region.
Overall, Talbot Dam offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and man-made infrastructure, providing an inviting space for recreational activities while also posing potential risks due to its high hazard potential. As a privately-owned entity with limited state oversight, the dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between water resource management and environmental stewardship in the Hickory County area of Missouri. Its rich history and unique design make it a point of interest for those passionate about water resources and climate resilience in the region.
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 Talbot Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Pomme De Terre River Near Hermitage | 1,920 cfs | → |
| Niangua River At Tunnel Dam Near Macks Creek | 514 cfs | → |
| Lindley Creek Near Polk | 72 cfs | → |
| Niangua River At Windyville | 120 cfs | → |
| Pomme De Terre River Near Polk | 89 cfs | → |
| Osage River Near Bagnell | 30,700 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Talbot Dam.
Boat launches
- Brown Bend Access Boat Ramp
- Ivy Bend Road Morgan County
- Benton County
- Hickory County
- Wigham School Access Boat Ramp
Track Talbot 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 Talbot Dam
Where does the data for Talbot 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 High 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 Talbot Dam.