Forest Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Forest Lake Dam, located in Latty, Missouri, was completed in 1960 and stands at a height of 50 feet, with a length of 740 feet.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a buttress core type, serves a primary purpose of recreation and has a normal storage capacity of 409 acre-feet. Situated on Swan Creek in Washington County, the dam has a maximum discharge of 4006 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 81 feet.

Managed by a private owner, Forest Lake Dam is state-regulated, with the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of 2007, the dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and design. The risk assessment is moderate, with a DSAC assignment date not specified, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Forest Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam safety and management. With its recreational significance and potential risks, this structure on Swan Creek offers valuable insights into the challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining aging dams in a changing climate. The public and regulatory agencies must work together to ensure the continued safety and integrity of Forest Lake Dam for the benefit of the community and the environment.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

740

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

SWAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39

Drainage Area

938

Nid Storage

409

Structural Height

50

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

50
       
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.