Lake Wauwanoka Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Lake Wauwanoka Dam, located in Herculaneum, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1942.


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Summary

With a height of 50 feet and a length of 1045 feet, it serves as a recreational spot for water and climate enthusiasts in the area. The dam has a storage capacity of 2800 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 2370 acre-feet and a surface area of 86 acres.

Managed by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG, the dam is state regulated and has undergone regular inspections, with its condition assessed as satisfactory. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 109 feet. The outlet gates are slide gates, and the dam is situated on Dry Creek, with a drainage area of 1320 acres.

Overall, Lake Wauwanoka Dam offers a picturesque setting for recreational activities while also being a vital piece of infrastructure for water resource management in the region. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find the dam's design and operational details intriguing, as well as its role in providing a source of enjoyment and relaxation for the local community.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

1045

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

86

Drainage Area

1320

Nid Storage

2800

Structural Height

60

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

60
       
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.