Cates Dam

TR SMITH BRANCH· Montgomery, Missouri· Built 1968· Earth· 22 ft tall

High Hazard Other Private

Key Takeaway

Cates Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is other. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	22 ft (taller than 14.9% in MO)
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	106 acre-ft
Normal Storage	58 acre-ft

Surface Area	9 acres
Drainage Area	77 sq mi
Year Completed	1968 (58 years old)
NID ID	MO10172

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No

Last Inspection: June 25, 1979

State Regulated: No

Ownership

MRS. ARDINE CATES

Private

Nearby Dams

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Easterday Dam

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Bethel Lake Dam

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Johnson Lake Dam

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Sturgeon Lake Dam

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Mcclain Lake Dam

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Irvin Beabout Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cates Dam?

Cates Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Cates Dam?

Cates Dam is owned by MRS. ARDINE CATES (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cates Dam built?

Cates Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Cates Dam?

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

How tall is Cates Dam?

Cates Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Cates Dam last inspected?

Cates Dam was last inspected on June 25, 1979. 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.