J. Bristow Lake Dam

TR-MERAMEC· Crawford, Missouri· Built 1966· Earth· 30 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

J. Bristow Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 30 ft (taller than 63.5% in MO)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage106 acre-ft
Normal Storage106 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area205 sq mi
Year Completed1966 (60 years old)
NID IDMO30985

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: May 21, 1980
State Regulated: No

Ownership

JESSE BRISTOW

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of J. Bristow Lake Dam?

J. Bristow Lake 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 J. Bristow Lake Dam?

J. Bristow Lake Dam is owned by JESSE BRISTOW (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was J. Bristow Lake Dam built?

J. Bristow Lake Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 J. Bristow Lake Dam?

J. Bristow 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 J. Bristow Lake Dam?

J. Bristow Lake Dam has a dam height of 30 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 J. Bristow Lake Dam last inspected?

J. Bristow Lake Dam was last inspected on May 21, 1980. 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.