Drexel Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Drexel Lake Dam, located in Bates County, Missouri, stands as a crucial water resource structure built in 1953 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam's earth construction, with a structural height of 22 feet, serves as a significant asset for water supply and storage with a normalized storage capacity of 112 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 306 acre-feet. Situated on North Sugar Creek, the dam creates a serene 26-acre lake while also contributing to the drainage area of 2920 acres.

Despite its age, the dam's condition remains unassessed as of the last inspection in 1979, raising concerns about its hazard potential rated as high. With no state regulation or enforcement in place, the responsibility falls on the local government to ensure the safety and maintenance of this crucial structure. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find Drexel Lake Dam's history, design, and current status intriguing, sparking further interest in monitoring and safeguarding such vital infrastructure for the community's well-being and environmental sustainability.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

NORTH SUGAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Drainage Area

2920

Nid Storage

306

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.