Legacy Dam, located in Lee's Summit, Missouri, along the Little Blue River, was completed in 2001 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
Designed by C. Ed Wheeler, this private-owned earth dam stands at 31 feet in height and spans 400 feet in length, offering a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 250 acre-feet. Despite being unregulated by the state, Legacy Dam has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, indicating the importance of its maintenance and management to ensure public safety.
With its stone core and uncontrolled spillway, Legacy Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood control in the region. Although not rated for its condition assessment and lacking an emergency action plan, the dam continues to play a vital role in mitigating flood risks along the Little Blue River. As a key component in the flood risk reduction strategy for the area, Legacy Dam stands as a testament to the engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship required to manage water resources in a changing climate.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, Legacy Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of resilient infrastructure for flood risk reduction. With its location in a high hazard area and moderate risk assessment, the dam highlights the ongoing need for proactive risk management measures and the development of comprehensive emergency action plans to safeguard communities and ecosystems downstream. Legacy Dam stands as a symbol of the intersection between water resource management, climate adaptation, and public safety, underscoring the critical role that dams play in building a more sustainable and resilient future.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE BLUE |
Surface Area |
28 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
2.66 |
Nid Storage |
400 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Rotary Club Camp
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Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park
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Blue Springs County Campground
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Longview Lake County Campground
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