Only Way Lake Dam

TR-BEAR CREEK· Saline, Missouri· Built 1930· Earth· 21 ft tall

High Hazard Other Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Only Way Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 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	21 ft (taller than 13.3% in MO)
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	348 acre-ft
Normal Storage	165 acre-ft

Surface Area	31 acres
Drainage Area	435 sq mi
Year Completed	1930 (96 years old)
NID ID	MO10111

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

ILLINOIS CENTRAL GULF RR

Private

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Marsh Lake Dam

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Wallys Lake Dam

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Elson Lake Dam

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Marshall State School Lake Dam

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Bryan Lake Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Only Way Lake Dam?

Only Way 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 Only Way Lake Dam?

Only Way Lake Dam is owned by ILLINOIS CENTRAL GULF RR (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Only Way Lake Dam built?

Only Way Lake Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Only Way Lake Dam?

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

How tall is Only Way Lake Dam?

Only Way Lake Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Only Way Lake Dam last inspected?

Only Way Lake 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.