Gordan Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Levee Dam Bailey Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Gordan Lake Dam in Forest City, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1969 with a primary purpose that falls under "Other." The dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a storage capacity of 249 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 165 acre-feet.
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Summary
It is located on the TR-SQUAW CR river/stream and is regulated by the state of Missouri, with no federal oversight.
Despite its high hazard potential, Gordan Lake Dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." The dam has not been inspected recently, and there is no emergency action plan in place. With a surface area of 15 acres and a drainage area of 231 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. However, the lack of recent inspections and a formal risk assessment raise concerns about its long-term safety and resilience in the face of climate change impacts.
Overall, Gordan Lake Dam serves as a key infrastructure for water management in Holt County, Missouri. Given its high hazard potential and the absence of recent inspections or emergency preparedness measures, there is a pressing need for enhanced monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment to ensure the dam's continued functionality and safety in the face of evolving climate conditions. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the unique characteristics and potential vulnerabilities of Gordan Lake Dam to be both intriguing and concerning in the context of sustainable water management and climate adaptation efforts.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SQUAW CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Drainage Area |
231 |
Nid Storage |
249 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Missouri River At Rulo
|
28600cfs |
Nodaway River Near Graham
|
134cfs |
Big Nemaha River At Falls City
|
310cfs |
Tarkio River At Fairfax Mo
|
52cfs |
Missouri River At St. Joseph
|
27300cfs |
One Hundred And Two River At Maryville
|
21cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Gordan Lake Dam