Forest Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jayne Lake Dam Aljundi Pond
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Forest Lake Dam, located in Adair County, Missouri, is a vital water resource structure primarily serving for recreational purposes and water supply.
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Summary
Built in 1951, the dam stands at a height of 66 feet and stretches over 1630 feet, holding a storage capacity of 15,961 acre-feet. The dam, constructed with an earth core and stone foundation, spans the Chariton River and is regulated by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program, ensuring its safety and compliance with state inspection and enforcement standards.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment and moderate risk level, Forest Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 15,046 cubic feet per second. The dam's emergency action plan, last reviewed in 2013, is crucial in addressing any potential risks and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities in Kirkville. With its strategic location and critical role in water supply, the Forest Lake Dam remains a key infrastructure for both recreational activities and water management in the region.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
1630 |
Dam Height |
66 |
River Or Stream |
CHARITON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
646 |
Drainage Area |
10500 |
Nid Storage |
15961 |
Structural Height |
66 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
66 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Forest Lake Dam