Swanson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Swanson Lake Dam, located in Buchanan, Missouri, was completed in 1920 and serves as a crucial water resource for the area.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for purposes other than flood control or irrigation, stands at a height of 25 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. It is classified as an Earth dam with a Buttress core type, contributing to its low hazard potential rating.

Situated on TR-PIGEON CREEK, Swanson Lake Dam is owned and operated by a private entity, making it exempt from state regulation and oversight. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated", highlighting the need for further inspection and maintenance to ensure its long-term stability and safety. With a surface area of 5 acres and a drainage area of 35 acres, the dam plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.

As a key feature in the Rock Island District, Swanson Lake Dam serves as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and continues to provide essential water storage and management capabilities for the surrounding community. With its historical significance and ongoing importance in water resource management, Swanson Lake Dam represents a blend of past expertise and modern-day necessity in addressing the challenges of climate change and water security.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-PIGEON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

35

Nid Storage

67

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.