Peterson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Peterson Lake Dam, located in Boone, Missouri, is a private earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 30 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 60 acre-feet. The dam controls the flow of TR-Nichols Creek and covers a surface area of 6 acres, with a drainage area of 160 acres.

Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Peterson Lake Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential. The dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," with no recent inspection data available. Emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps have not been prepared or updated, raising concerns about the level of risk management in case of a dam failure.

With its scenic location and recreational opportunities, Peterson Lake Dam serves as a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts. However, the lack of regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness measures underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this important water resource infrastructure.

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-NICHOLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

160

Nid Storage

96

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.