Bear Lake Dam

TR-PLATTE RIVER· Buchanan, Missouri· Built 1962· Earth· 38 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Bear Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 38 ft (taller than 88.1% in MO)
Dam Length560 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage95 acre-ft
Normal Storage95 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge18 cfs
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDMO10024

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 10, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Dam and Reservoir Safety Program

Ownership

NEWS PRESS & GAZEETTE CO.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bear Lake Dam?

Bear Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bear Lake Dam?

Bear Lake Dam is owned by NEWS PRESS & GAZEETTE CO. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bear Lake Dam built?

Bear Lake Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Bear Lake Dam?

Bear Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bear Lake Dam?

Bear Lake Dam has a dam height of 38 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Bear Lake Dam last inspected?

Bear Lake Dam was last inspected on October 10, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.