Winnetonka Lake Dam (Removed) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Winnetonka Lake Dam, located in Kansas City, Missouri, was built in 1913 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
However, in recent years, the dam has been removed, marking a significant change in the landscape. The dam was privately owned and was not regulated by the state, indicating a lack of oversight in its maintenance and safety.
The dam, classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type, had a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 107 acre-feet. Despite its removal, the dam was considered to have a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of proper management and monitoring of such structures. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in 1979, with no recent updates on its condition assessment or emergency action plan.
The removal of Winnetonka Lake Dam represents a shift towards prioritizing environmental sustainability and safety in water resource management. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the decommissioning of outdated dams like Winnetonka Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure the long-term health of our waterways.
Year Completed |
1913 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BUCKEYE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Drainage Area |
451 |
Nid Storage |
107 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Winnetonka Lake Dam (Removed)