Shelton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Shelton Lake Dam, located in Graham, Missouri, serves as a key structure for grade stabilization along TR-Elkhorn Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1957, this private earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches 425 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet and a drainage area of 108.8 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Although Shelton Lake Dam is categorized as having a low hazard potential, its risk assessment is rated as moderate. Despite not being state-regulated, the dam is designed to handle maximum discharge of up to 290 cubic feet per second with an uncontrolled spillway width of 15 feet. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified, indicating potential areas for improvement in ensuring the safety and stability of the structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shelton Lake Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the engineering and management of earth dams in the region. With its historical significance and functional purpose in grade stabilization, the dam represents a vital component of the local water infrastructure. As discussions around water resource management and climate resilience continue to evolve, understanding the role and risk profile of dams like Shelton Lake Dam becomes increasingly important for ensuring the sustainability and safety of our water systems.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-ELKHORN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

108.8

Nid Storage

67

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.