Prairie Lee Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Prairie Lee Lake Dam, located in Jackson County, Missouri, is a key structure managing the East Fork Little Blue River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1939, this earth dam stands at a height of 69 feet and stretches for 980 feet, providing a recreational oasis for locals and visitors alike. With a normal storage capacity of 2500 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 6000 acre-feet, the dam offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-related activities.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Missouri Dam and Reservoir Safety Program, Prairie Lee Lake Dam has a satisfactory condition assessment and a moderate hazard potential rating. The dam is equipped with a valve outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway, with a maximum discharge capacity of 27,000 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in November 2015. Additionally, the dam has an emergency action plan in place to ensure public safety in the event of any unforeseen incidents.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Prairie Lee Lake Dam serves as a fascinating case study in dam management and recreational water usage. With its strategic location and impressive storage capacity, the dam not only provides a valuable water resource for the region but also offers a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Prairie Lee Lake Dam will be crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

980

Dam Height

69

River Or Stream

EAST FORK LITTLE BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

300

Drainage Area

9600

Nid Storage

6000

Structural Height

69

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

69
       
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.