Lake Girardeau Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Girardeau Dam, located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is a state-owned structure designed by the Missouri Department of Conservation with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet and has a length of 1450 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 2866 acre-feet. The dam, built on Crooked Creek, has a spillway type of uncontrolled and a hazard potential rated as high.

Despite being classified as high hazard potential, Lake Girardeau Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in May 2015. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a rating of 3. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam has been prepared, with the last revision in May 2013. The dam's drainage area is 1980 square miles, and its surface area covers 147 acres, providing a picturesque location for outdoor recreational activities. Overall, Lake Girardeau Dam serves as not only a vital water resource but also a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and climate advocates.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1450

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

TR-CROOKED CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

147

Drainage Area

1980

Nid Storage

2866

Structural Height

39

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

39
       
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.