Atkinson Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Levee Number Three Dam Mononame 78
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Atkinson Lake Dam, located in Taberville, Missouri, was completed in 1962 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam, with a height of 28 feet, holds a storage capacity of 5318 acre-feet of water and covers a surface area of 355 acres. Despite being a low hazard potential structure with a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam has not been regulated or inspected by the state, suggesting a lack of oversight in its maintenance and safety.
Situated on the TR to Osage River, Atkinson Lake 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. The dam is not subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, or enforcement, raising concerns about its long-term stability and safety measures. Despite its recreational value, the lack of state oversight and assessment of its condition may pose risks to nearby communities in the event of a failure or emergency situation.
With a normal storage capacity of 2722 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4800 acres, Atkinson Lake Dam provides a significant water resource for the region. However, the absence of a comprehensive emergency action plan, updated inspection data, and risk assessment raises questions about the dam's resilience to climate change impacts and its ability to withstand extreme weather events. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the case of Atkinson Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of critical infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO OSAGE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
355 |
Drainage Area |
4800 |
Nid Storage |
5318 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Atkinson Lake Dam