Lake Ararat Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Lake Ararat Dam, located in House Springs, Missouri, is a private dam primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and has a storage capacity of 291 acre-feet. Its hazard potential is rated as high, although its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." The dam overlooks the Heads Creek and is situated in the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite not being regulated by the state, Lake Ararat Dam poses a significant risk due to its high hazard potential. Emergency action plans have not been prepared, and the last inspection was conducted in 1979. With a normal storage capacity of 248 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 16 acres and serves as a popular recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the Jefferson County area. Although its condition is not currently rated, ongoing risk management measures should be considered to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

HEADS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

190

Nid Storage

291

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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.