Moynihan Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Knob Lick, Missouri, the Moynihan Lake Dam is a privately owned structure built in 1956 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 30 feet, this earth dam with a buttress core holds a storage capacity of 128 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 8 acres. The dam is situated on TR-Wolf Creek and serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the Moynihan Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition being classified as "Not Rated." With no recent inspection or assessment data available, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unknown. As a significant feature in the St. Francois County landscape, the dam's importance in water resource management and climate resilience underscores the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the Moynihan Lake Dam's historical significance and potential risks, the lack of regulatory oversight and designated inspection frequency raise concerns about its long-term stability and emergency response preparedness. With its location within the Kansas City District and proximity to the Wolf Creek watershed, efforts to update the dam's condition assessment, establish an emergency action plan, and implement risk management measures are crucial steps to safeguarding the community and preserving the dam's recreational value amidst changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
170 |
Nid Storage |
128 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Moynihan Lake Dam