Jestes Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Jestes Lake Dam, located in DeKalb, Missouri, was completed in 1976 for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
The 25-foot high earth dam is primarily owned and managed by private entities, with no state jurisdiction or regulatory oversight. The dam's reservoir has a maximum storage capacity of 107 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 220 acres, making it a crucial resource for water supply and recreational activities in the area.
Despite its importance, Jestes Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition being labeled as "Not Rated" and lacking regular inspections. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps remain unprepared or outdated, raising concerns about the safety and management of the structure during potential emergencies. With the dam being situated on TR-North Fork Lost Creek and owned privately, there is a need for increased monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should pay close attention to the developments and management practices of Jestes Lake Dam to promote sustainable water management and environmental conservation in the region.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH FORK LOST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
220 |
Nid Storage |
107 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Jestes Lake Dam