Lake Nell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Lake Nell Dam, located in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was completed in 1955 and serves as a vital water resource for the area.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 482 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 30 acres for outdoor activities. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been officially rated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

Situated on the TR-EAST BR-BIG CREEK river system in Jackson County, Lake Nell Dam is owned by the state of Missouri and falls under the jurisdiction of the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While the dam is not regulated or inspected by the state, its importance for recreation and water storage cannot be understated. The lack of a designated spillway type and limited emergency preparedness measures suggest a potential area for improvement in the dam's risk management strategies.

Overall, Lake Nell Dam remains a significant structure in the region, offering recreational opportunities and water storage capabilities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential to ensure the proper maintenance and monitoring of dams like Lake Nell to safeguard against potential risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of the area's water supply.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-EAST BR-BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Drainage Area

310

Nid Storage

482

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.