River Warning From The News-leader

[zander]

Campers and floaters along the Gasconade River are being warned to stay off the river in northern Maries County because a dam could fail.

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and the Maries County Sheriff's Department are monitoring the dam on Dudenhoeffer Lake, according to the National Weather Service.

If the dam fails as runoff from storms continues, there could be an uncontrolled release of water into the lower Gasconade that would sweep through a forested river valley where the Turkey Hill Ranch Christian Camp is located, according to authorities.

Because of the flooding threat, the camp has been evacuated and campers, floaters and hikers are being warned to go to higher ground until the dam can be repaired.