Pottorf Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Pottorf Lake Dam in Vernon County, Missouri, is a private earth dam constructed in 1956 primarily for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
It stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 58 acre-feet. Situated on TR to Clear Creek, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock or small fish pond maintenance, and flood risk mitigation.
Despite being privately owned, Pottorf Lake Dam is not regulated or inspected by state agencies, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam has a low hazard potential and its condition is currently not rated. While lacking detailed information on spillways, locks, and other structural features, the dam remains a crucial element in the local water resource management system, ensuring protection against potential flooding events in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pottorf Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in private dam ownership and management. Its strategic location in Dederick, Missouri, highlights the importance of collaboration between private owners and federal agencies in ensuring the safety and efficiency of water infrastructure. As the dam continues to serve its purpose in flood risk reduction, further assessment and monitoring may be necessary to address any potential risks and enhance its overall resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO CLEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Drainage Area |
150 |
Nid Storage |
94 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Pottorf Lake Dam