Watkins Mill State Park Dam
Key Takeaway
Watkins Mill State Park Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 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 | 55 ft (taller than 96.3% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 1,600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | MO10011 |
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
MO. DNR PARKS
State Government
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High Hazard 45 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Watkins Mill State Park Dam?
Watkins Mill State Park 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 Watkins Mill State Park Dam?
Watkins Mill State Park Dam is owned by MO. DNR PARKS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Watkins Mill State Park Dam built?
Watkins Mill State Park Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Watkins Mill State Park Dam?
Watkins Mill State Park Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Watkins Mill State Park Dam?
Watkins Mill State Park Dam has a dam height of 55 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 Watkins Mill State Park Dam last inspected?
Watkins Mill State Park Dam was last inspected on May 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.