Butterfly Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rainbow Lake Dam Lake Kal-Tatri
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Located in River Aux Vases, Missouri, Butterfly Lake Dam is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1973, this earth and buttress dam stands at a height of 68 feet and has a length of 600 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 1091 acre-feet. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment in 2007 was deemed satisfactory.
The dam is regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG in Missouri, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its last inspection in 2016 showed that it meets guidelines and is in a moderate risk category. With a surface area of 65 acres and a drainage area of 1171 acres, Butterfly Lake Dam remains a significant feature in the local landscape and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation in the area.
Overall, Butterfly Lake Dam serves as both a recreational resource and a critical piece of infrastructure in the River Aux Vases community. Its moderate risk level and satisfactory condition indicate that it continues to function effectively, providing storage and flood control benefits while also offering opportunities for outdoor activities. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring and maintaining the safety of structures like Butterfly Lake Dam is essential to ensure the resilience of our water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
68 |
River Or Stream |
RIVER AUX VASES |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
65 |
Drainage Area |
1171 |
Nid Storage |
1768 |
Structural Height |
68 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
68 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Butterfly Lake Dam