Shepard Mountain Dam
Key Takeaway
Shepard Mountain Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 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 | 33 ft (taller than 79.3% in MO) |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 371 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 168 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,525 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | MO30324 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
CITY OF IRONTON
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Snow Hollow Lake Dam
Iron, MO
High Hazard 41 ftScott Lake Dam
Iron, MO
High Hazard 27 ftLake Killarney Dam
Iron, MO
High Hazard 29 ftLake Hanna Dam
St. Francois, MO
High Hazard 38 ftAsarco Lake Dam
Iron, MO
High Hazard 50 ftIron Mountain Lake Dam
St. Francois, MO
High Hazard 16 ftAsarco Sec 11 Upper Dam (Shallow)
Iron, MO
Low Hazard 25 ftAsarco Sec 11 Lower Dam (Shallow)
Iron, MO
Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Shepard Mountain Dam?
Shepard Mountain 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 Shepard Mountain Dam?
Shepard Mountain Dam is owned by CITY OF IRONTON (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Shepard Mountain Dam built?
Shepard Mountain Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Shepard Mountain Dam?
Shepard Mountain Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Shepard Mountain Dam?
Shepard Mountain Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Shepard Mountain Dam last inspected?
Shepard Mountain Dam was last inspected on April 30, 1979. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.