Niko Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Niko Lake Dam, located in Chain of Rocks, Missouri, is a privately-owned earth dam primarily designed for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 107 acre-feet, this dam serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area. Despite not being regulated by the state, the dam has a high hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition.
The dam, situated on Schlanker Branch, covers a surface area of 8 acres and has a drainage area of 160 acres. While the dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates listed, it poses a potential risk in case of emergencies. The lack of recent inspections and condition assessments raises concerns about the safety of the structure and highlights the need for regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the protection of the local community and environment.
Overall, Niko Lake Dam plays a crucial role in providing fire protection and recreational opportunities in the region. However, the high hazard potential and lack of regulatory oversight emphasize the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures to safeguard the dam's integrity and prevent potential disasters. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate issues will find Niko Lake Dam to be an intriguing case study in the intersection of infrastructure and environmental stewardship.
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
SCHLANKER BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
160 |
Nid Storage |
107 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Missouri River At Hermann
|
27700cfs |
Cuivre River Near Troy
|
29cfs |
Dardenne Creek At Ofallon
|
3cfs |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
71cfs |
Dardenne Creek At Old Town St. Peters
|
6cfs |
Bonhomme Creek Near Ellisville
|
0cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Niko Lake Dam