Matthews Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Matthews Lake Dam, located in Carrollton, Missouri, is a private earth dam with a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, constructed on the TR-West Fork Wakenda Creek, serves a primary purpose that is classified as "Other" and is designated as having a low hazard potential. Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, the dam has not been rated for its condition and does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place.

The dam, managed by the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, sits within a drainage area of 36 square miles and covers a surface area of 2 acres. While its primary purpose and design suggest a limited impact on water resources and climate change, the lack of recent inspection and assessment data raises concerns about the structural integrity of the dam and its ability to withstand potential emergencies. With the absence of a formal risk assessment and management plan, the long-term sustainability of Matthews Lake Dam remains uncertain.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data surrounding Matthews Lake Dam highlights the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance of critical infrastructure. The dam's location, design, and storage capacity all play a role in its potential impact on the surrounding environment and community. Moving forward, it is essential for the owners and regulatory agencies to prioritize regular inspections, condition assessments, and emergency preparedness measures to ensure the safety and resilience of Matthews Lake Dam in the face of changing climate conditions and water resource management challenges.

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-WEST FK WAKENDA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

36

Nid Storage

27

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.