Lucas Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lucas Lake Dam, located in DeSoto, Missouri, was completed in 1960 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR to Joachim Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 150 acres, the dam serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Despite not being regulated or inspected by the state, Lucas Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its purpose and location. While the condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," the dam's design features a buttress core type and an unlisted/unknown foundation. With no spillway and limited emergency preparedness measures in place, the dam's risk management and mitigation strategies are not clearly defined.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Lucas Lake Dam will find its history and engineering details intriguing. While the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, it also offers recreational opportunities in the area. With its high hazard potential and lack of state regulation, the dam's condition and potential risks warrant further examination and assessment to ensure the safety and protection of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR TO JOACHIM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

150

Nid Storage

94

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.