Pfost Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Pfost Lake Dam, located in Lafayette County, Missouri, is a private earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

With a dam height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet, the dam offers a surface area of 2 acres and serves a drainage area of 150 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition, and inspection frequency is listed as zero.

Situated along the TR-Missouri River, Pfost Lake Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam is not regulated or permitted by the state, and has not undergone any modifications since its completion. With no emergency action plan in place and limited risk assessment measures identified, there is a need for further evaluation and preparedness to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam in the face of potential climate-related challenges.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pfost Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned recreational structure with limited oversight and assessment. As the impact of climate change continues to pose challenges to water infrastructure, the importance of proactive monitoring and risk management for dams like Pfost Lake Dam becomes increasingly evident. By promoting collaboration between private owners, state agencies, and federal entities, efforts can be made to enhance the resilience and safety of dams in the face of evolving climate conditions.

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-MISSOURI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

150

Nid Storage

32

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

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.