Panhorst Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Panhorst Lake Dam, located in Franklin County, Missouri, has been serving multiple purposes since its completion in 1956.


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Summary

Primarily built for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond, the dam also offers recreational opportunities in the area. With a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, the dam sits on the TR to Cedar Fork river/stream, providing essential water resources for the region.

Managed by a private owner, Panhorst Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite not being state-regulated, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water management for the local community. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently not documented, indicating a potential area for improvement in its maintenance and safety protocols.

Panhorst Lake Dam's serene surface area of 6 acres and its location in Washington, Missouri, make it not only a functional water resource but also a scenic spot for outdoor enthusiasts. With its earth construction and buttress core type, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management in the region. As climate change impacts water resources, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of dams like Panhorst Lake Dam will be vital in ensuring water security for future generations.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR TO CEDAR FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

370

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.