Whitewood Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mallard Lake Dam Baudendistel Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Whitewood Lake Dam, located in Perry, Missouri, was completed in 1970 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a storage capacity of 171 acre-feet. Situated on Whitewater Creek, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Whitewood Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential. The dam has not been inspected since December 1980 and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. Emergency action plans and risk assessments for the dam seem to be lacking, raising concerns about its safety and the potential risks it poses to downstream communities in the event of a failure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Whitewood Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure with limited oversight and potential safety risks. The lack of recent inspections and emergency preparedness measures highlight the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance of dams to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the sustainability of water resources in the area. The dam's location on Whitewater Creek also underscores the interconnectedness of water management and recreation, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to dam operations that considers both environmental and recreational interests.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
WHITEWATER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Drainage Area |
135 |
Nid Storage |
171 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Whitewood Lake Dam