Little Dixie Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Located in Millersburg, Missouri, Little Dixie Lake Dam was completed in 1958 by the Missouri Department of Conservation and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along Owl Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 41 feet and a length of 1850 feet, this earth dam has a maximum storage capacity of 4849 acre-feet and a surface area of 196 acres. The dam is state-regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and efficacy in managing water resources in the region.

The primary purpose of Little Dixie Lake Dam is flood risk reduction, although it also provides opportunities for recreation in the area. With a spillway width of 130 feet and a maximum discharge of 7021 cubic feet per second, the dam has a high hazard potential but is currently rated as satisfactory in condition assessment. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in 2012, and the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level.

Managed by the state of Missouri, Little Dixie Lake Dam is a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in Callaway County. Its strategic location and design make it an essential tool for mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. As a symbol of proactive dam safety management, the structure stands as a testament to effective water resource stewardship in the region.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

1850

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

OWL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

196

Drainage Area

2310

Nid Storage

4849

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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.