Cook Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cook Lake Dam, located in Cass County, Missouri, serves as a vital water resource for irrigation purposes, completed in 1975 with a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and stretches 1275 feet in length, impounding Eightmile Creek. Despite being privately owned, the dam has low hazard potential and is not currently regulated or inspected by state authorities.

The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type, measures 15 feet in width to manage peak discharges of up to 120 cubic feet per second. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam has not undergone a condition assessment, emergency action plan preparation, or risk management measures. Although not under the jurisdiction of state agencies, the dam remains a critical infrastructure for sustaining agricultural activities in the region, showcasing the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in local communities.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Cook Lake Dam provides an intriguing case study of a privately owned irrigation structure in Missouri. Its construction in 1975 reflects a historic commitment to water management for agricultural purposes, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of changing climate conditions. While the dam's risk assessment suggests moderate vulnerabilities, its operational capacity and low hazard potential underscore the resilience of such structures in supporting regional water needs.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

1275

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-EIGHTMILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

217.6

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.