Mcginnis Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

McGinnis Lake, located in Franklin County, Missouri, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1975 with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 27 feet with a hydraulic height of 26 feet, a structural height of 28 feet, and a length of 540 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 78 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 137 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 1 acre and draining a watershed area of 371.2 acres.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 12 feet, is of the uncontrolled type, and the overall hazard potential of the structure is rated as low. Despite being categorized as having a moderate risk level, the dam's condition is currently not rated, and it has not been assigned an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or undergone recent inspections. With its location in the St. Louis District and along the TR-ST JOHNS CREEK, McGinnis Lake offers recreational opportunities and supports fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes in addition to its primary function in wildlife conservation.

While McGinnis Lake Dam presents a valuable resource for the local ecosystem and community in terms of water storage, habitat preservation, and recreational activities, its maintenance and safety protocols may benefit from further assessment and monitoring to ensure its long-term viability and resilience in the face of potential hazards and climate variability. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find this dam a fascinating subject for study and engagement in sustainable water management practices and environmental stewardship efforts within the region.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-ST JOHNS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

371.2

Nid Storage

137

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.