Coats Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Coats Lake Dam, located in Lafayette, Missouri, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.


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Summary

Built in 1979, this privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 530 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet, the dam is situated on the TR-East Fork Sni-a Bar Creek and is regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG of Missouri. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is currently in satisfactory condition as per its last assessment in 2007.

The dam's primary purpose of fire protection and water supply for stock and fish pond highlights its importance in the local community. With a drainage area of 250 acres and a surface area of 8 acres, Coats Lake Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 40 feet, providing a means for excess water to safely flow out during periods of heavy rainfall. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.

Coats Lake Dam's strategic location and design make it a key player in water resource management in the region. As a privately owned structure, it is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to uphold safety standards. With a focus on maintaining its condition and risk management measures, the dam serves as a crucial asset for fire protection and water supply, catering to the needs of the surrounding community while also contributing to the overall ecological balance of the area.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

530

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TR-EAST FORK SNI-A BAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

250

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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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.