Gray Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Gray Lake Dam, located in Lafayette, Missouri, was completed in 1978 and serves a primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, is primarily used for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond in addition to irrigation. The structure is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type and is considered low hazard potential.
Owned privately, Gray Lake Dam is not regulated by the state and does not require inspections or permitting. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, and emergency action plans have not been prepared or updated. The dam's location on TR to Tabo Creek offers vital water resources for the surrounding area but lacks detailed risk assessment and management measures.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gray Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned irrigation structure in Missouri. With a rich history dating back to the late 1970s, the dam's design and purpose offer insights into water management practices in the region. However, the lack of state regulation and comprehensive risk assessment raise questions about the dam's long-term sustainability and potential impacts on the local environment.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO TABO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
42 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Gray Lake Dam