View High Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

View High Lake Dam, also known as Deerhorn Village Dam, is a privately-owned structure located in Kansas City, Missouri.


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Summary

Built in 1968 by WOODWARD-CLYDE, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 37 feet and spans 480 feet in length. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, with a normal storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 148 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER, the dam has a drainage area of 490 square miles and a spillway width of 60 feet.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2007, View High Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG in Missouri, ensuring its compliance with safety standards. The last inspection was conducted in 2016, with a scheduled frequency of every 2 years. While the dam currently has no outlet gates and a spillway type of uncontrolled, it serves as a vital recreational resource for the surrounding community, offering a surface area of 12 acres for various water activities.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find View High Lake Dam to be a fascinating structure in the heart of Missouri. With its unique design, historical significance, and importance for recreation, the dam showcases the intersection of human ingenuity and natural beauty. As efforts continue to maintain and monitor its safety, the dam remains a key feature in the landscape of Jackson County, serving as both a functional infrastructure and a symbol of environmental stewardship in managing water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

490

Nid Storage

148

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

37
       
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.