Oakwood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Oakwood Lake Dam, located in Kansas City, Missouri, was completed in 1930 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This private-owned rockfill dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 40 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Blue River, the dam has a drainage area of 270 square miles and covers a surface area of 5 acres.

Despite not being state-regulated, Oakwood Lake Dam has a high hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently not rated. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unspecified. With no federal agency involvement, the dam's maintenance and inspection responsibilities fall solely on its private owner. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Oakwood Lake Dam an intriguing structure due to its historical significance and regional importance in supporting local irrigation needs.

As an essential component of the local water infrastructure, Oakwood Lake Dam represents a critical asset in managing water resources in the region. Its presence underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for irrigation purposes, highlighting the need for proactive risk assessment and emergency preparedness. With its high hazard potential and lack of state regulation, the dam serves as a reminder of the challenges associated with private ownership of crucial water management infrastructure. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding and addressing the risks associated with dams like Oakwood Lake Dam become increasingly vital for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water systems in the area.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

270

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

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.