Hanks Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Hanks Lake Dam, located in Smithville, Missouri, was completed in 1960 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.


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Summary

This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet, with a storage capacity of 116 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres. The dam is situated on TR-Second Creek and is part of the Rock Island District.

Despite its low hazard potential, Hanks Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. It is not regulated by the state and does not have a designated regulatory agency. The dam has not undergone recent inspections, and its emergency action plan (EAP) status is unknown. While the dam provides valuable water resources for the region, there are uncertainties surrounding its maintenance and readiness for potential emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hanks Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure with multiple functions. Its location in Platte County, Missouri, highlights the importance of small dams for local communities and ecosystems. The lack of recent assessments and regulatory oversight raises questions about the dam's long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. Further research and monitoring are needed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of Hanks Lake Dam for both its intended purposes and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-SECOND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

135

Nid Storage

116

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.