Lake Sherwood Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Lake Sherwood, located in St.


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Summary

Louis, Missouri, is a privately owned recreation lake with a primary purpose of providing leisure activities for enthusiasts. The dam, completed in 1894, is an earth dam with a buttress core type and a height of 21 feet. The lake has a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 80 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 12 acres.

Despite its age, Lake Sherwood poses a high hazard potential due to its condition being not rated and last inspected in 1979. However, the dam has not been modified over the years, and there are no outlet gates or locks associated with it. The dam is located on the River Des Peres and is managed by the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, with no federal agency funding, designing, construction, or regulatory involvement.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Sherwood offers a historical glimpse into dam construction and management practices in the late 19th century. The high hazard potential and lack of recent inspection raise concerns about the safety and maintenance of the dam, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring and assessment to ensure the protection of downstream communities and the environment. Despite its age and potential risks, Lake Sherwood remains a popular destination for recreational activities in the University City area of Missouri.

Year Completed

1894

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

RIVER DES PERES

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

121

Nid Storage

135

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.