Lake Lotawana Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Lake Lotawana Dam, located in Tarsney Lakes, Missouri, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1928 by O.C. Sheley, this earth dam stands at 58 feet in height and stretches 1650 feet in length, holding a normal storage capacity of 11,568 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the West Fork Sni-A-Bar Creek and serves as a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its impressive hydraulic features and picturesque surroundings.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Lake Lotawana Dam poses a high hazard potential, prompting regular inspections every three years to ensure its safety and stability. With a maximum discharge capacity of 6,111 cubic feet per second, the dam's uncontrolled spillway, measuring 200 feet in width, plays a crucial role in managing water levels during periods of high inflow. The dam's risk assessment is categorized as moderate (3), highlighting the importance of diligent risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats to the surrounding community and environment.

With its rich history dating back nearly a century and its significant contribution to local recreation and water management, Lake Lotawana Dam remains a key landmark in Jackson County, Missouri. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to appreciate and study this iconic structure, ongoing efforts to maintain its safety and functionality will be essential to safeguarding its legacy for future generations.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

1650

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

WEST FORK SNI-A-BAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

480

Drainage Area

8561

Nid Storage

11568

Structural Height

58

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

58
       
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.