Edwin A. Pape Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Edwin A.


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Summary

Pape Lake Dam, located in Lafayette County, Missouri, is a captivating structure built in 1967 for recreational and water supply purposes. Managed by the local government, specifically the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG agency, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans a length of 2000 feet, containing a storage capacity of 4000 acre-feet. Situated on Peavine Creek, the dam forms Edwin A. Pape Lake, offering a surface area of 284 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various water activities.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure public safety and environmental protection. The spillway, with a width of 200 feet, provides an uncontrolled discharge capacity of up to 11,683 cubic feet per second. Despite being in operation for over five decades, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, prompting ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and infrastructure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Edwin A. Pape Lake Dam represents a harmonious blend of human engineering and natural beauty, serving as a vital water resource and recreational landmark in the heart of Missouri.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

2000

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

PEAVINE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

284

Drainage Area

5500

Nid Storage

4000

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

40
       
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.