Riss Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Located in Parkville, Missouri, the Riss Lake Dam is a privately owned structure built in 1953 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 93 feet with a length of 1200 feet, this earthen dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 7720 acre-feet and serves the purpose of regulating the flow of the White Aloe Branch river. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of its last assessment in 2007.

Managed by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG under the jurisdiction of the state of Missouri, the Riss Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates. While the dam has not undergone any major modifications in recent years, it continues to play a crucial role in providing a recreational space for the local community and maintaining water resources in the area.

With its picturesque location and vital role in water management, the Riss Lake Dam stands as a notable landmark in Platte County, Missouri. As climate and water resource enthusiasts explore the area, they can appreciate the engineering marvel of this earth dam and its significance in regulating the flow of the White Aloe Branch. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's satisfactory condition and regular inspections highlight the commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of this essential infrastructure for both recreational and water resource purposes.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

93

River Or Stream

WHITE ALOE BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

140

Drainage Area

1283

Nid Storage

7720

Structural Height

93

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

93
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds