Francis Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bushwhacker Dam Murphy Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Francis Lake Dam, located in Vernon County, Missouri, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and as a small fish pond.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1951, this private earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 310 acre-feet. With a normal storage of 193 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 29 acres and drains a watershed area of 1600 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, Francis Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam is not regulated by the state and does not require regular inspections or permitting. Owned and operated by a private entity, the dam is primarily used for local water resource management and ecological purposes. Situated along a tributary to Little Dry Wood Creek, the dam provides essential benefits to the surrounding environment and community.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Francis Lake Dam to be an intriguing structure due to its dual functionality and historical significance. The dam's presence contributes to the local ecosystem by providing a habitat for fish and supporting fire protection measures. As part of the Tulsa District in Missouri, the dam stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices in the region. Its unlisted foundation and 310 acre-feet storage capacity make it a unique asset for water resource monitoring and conservation efforts in the area.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO LITTLE DRY WOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
29 |
Drainage Area |
1600 |
Nid Storage |
310 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Francis Lake Dam