Tarpening Lake Dam

TR-CLARKS CREEK· Linn, Missouri· Built 1976· Earth· 24 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Tarpening Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 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 24 ft (taller than 20.3% in MO)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage90 acre-ft
Normal Storage82 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Year Completed1976 (50 years old)
NID IDMO11078

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
State Regulated: No

Ownership

GIL GALLAGHER

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Tarpening Lake Dam?

Tarpening 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 Tarpening Lake Dam?

Tarpening Lake Dam is owned by GIL GALLAGHER (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Tarpening Lake Dam built?

Tarpening Lake Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Tarpening Lake Dam?

Tarpening 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 Tarpening Lake Dam?

Tarpening Lake Dam has a dam height of 24 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.

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.