Lake Northwoods Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Lake Northwoods Dam, located in Gasconade, Missouri, is a private earth dam that was completed in 1968 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 50 feet and a length of 1277 feet, has a maximum storage capacity of 2097 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 1340 acre-feet. It covers a surface area of 83 acres and drains a watershed area of 1029 acres, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1588 cubic feet per second.

Despite being privately owned, Lake Northwoods Dam is regulated by the state of Missouri and is subject to regular inspections, with the last inspection conducted in November 2017. The dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition. In the event of an emergency, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 32 feet and valve outlet gates. While the risk level is moderate, the dam is considered to meet safety guidelines and has not had any significant risk management measures implemented. Overall, Lake Northwoods Dam provides a vital water resource for recreational activities in the area while also being subject to stringent state regulations to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

1277

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

TR.TO SECOND CR.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

83

Drainage Area

1029

Nid Storage

2097

Structural Height

50

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

50
       
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.