Otahki Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Otahki Lake Dam, located in Wayne County, Missouri, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Constructed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 162 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Big Creek and is managed by the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite being categorized as low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." It is interesting to note that there are no state regulations or inspections in place for this dam, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance by the private owner. The lack of information regarding emergency action plans and risk management measures raises questions about the preparedness of the site in the event of a natural disaster or unforeseen event.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Otahki Lake Dam serves as a fascinating case study of a privately owned recreational structure with limited oversight and regulatory requirements. The dam's role in providing water storage and recreational opportunities in the area underscores the need for continued attention to maintenance and safety protocols. As climate change poses new challenges to infrastructure resilience, the importance of proactive risk management and emergency preparedness measures cannot be overstated for structures like Otahki Lake Dam.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Drainage Area |
170 |
Nid Storage |
260 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
St. Francis River Near Patterson
|
235cfs |
St. Francis River Near Saco
|
187cfs |
St. Francis River Near Mill Creek
|
83cfs |
Black River Near Annapolis
|
269cfs |
Black River At Leeper
|
508cfs |
East Fork Black River At Lesterville
|
44cfs |
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.
Otahki Lake Dam
Forest Boundary At North Section Line Of Sec 4, T33N, R5E To Forest Boundary At South Section Line Of Sec 35, T32N, R5E