Carter Lake Dam-Sec 25 Upper Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Carter Lake Dam-Sec 25 Upper, located in Lafayette, Missouri, was completed in 1969 and serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Missouri River.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet, providing necessary protection for the surrounding area. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, highlighting the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in mitigating flood risks.
With its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, Carter Lake Dam-Sec 25 Upper also serves other functions such as debris control, fire protection, and as a small fish pond. The dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme events, the importance of well-maintained dams like Carter Lake Dam-Sec 25 Upper in protecting communities from flooding cannot be overstated.
As part of the Kansas City District, the dam falls under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and is subject to their regulatory oversight. While the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status is not specified and its risk assessment is unknown, it is crucial for local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that proper measures are in place to address any potential threats and ensure the safety of the surrounding area in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSOURI RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
45 |
Nid Storage |
40 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
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.
Carter Lake Dam-Sec 25 Upper