Leaking Warren County dam raises concern

WARRENTON, Mo. (AP) -- Warren County officials are assessing a leak in a dam near the Innsbrook Estates resort area in eastern Missouri.

Emergency management officials reported shortly after noon on Tuesday that the earthen Alpine Dam was leaking and could possibly fail. A dispatcher at the county sheriff's office said officials were on the scene and would release a statement later Tuesday. She said she was unaware of any evacuations, though authorities urged nearby homeowners to move to higher ground.

The National Weather Service says that if the dam fails the water would flow into Charrette Creek over a road. The service says people downstream from the dam should be prepared to get out of harm's way.

The resort includes rental property and permanent residences. Calls to the resort were not returned.