King Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

King Lake Dam, also known as Grindstone Lst-Mdy-Creek Site C-3 Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in DeKalb, Missouri.


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Summary

Built in 1971 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at 40 feet high and spans 1920 feet in length, serving primarily for flood risk reduction along the Lost Creek. With a normal storage capacity of 1293 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 4773 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 184 acres and has a drainage area of 12200 acres.

The dam's spillway, designed as uncontrolled with a width of 200 feet, has a maximum discharge capacity of 13514 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, King Lake Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in January 2018. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently not updated, presenting a potential area for improvement in ensuring the safety and resilience of the structure in the face of climate change impacts.

King Lake Dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction and recreational purposes in the region, regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG in Missouri. With its strategic location and design, the dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the key details and features of King Lake Dam provides valuable insights into the management and maintenance of essential water infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

1920

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

LOST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

184

Drainage Area

12200

Nid Storage

4773

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.