Berndsen Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Berndsen Lake Dam, located in Franklin, Missouri, serves as a vital resource for fish and wildlife pond management and recreational activities.


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Summary

Completed in 1969, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to maintain a habitat conducive to fish and wildlife conservation, offering a surface area of 2.1 acres within its drainage area of 108.8 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Berndsen Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting the local ecosystem. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's structural integrity is not rated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued reliability. The spillway, which is uncontrolled and 60 feet wide, serves as a safety feature to regulate water levels during periods of high discharge, safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

As part of the Kansas City District, the dam is not state-regulated and has no associated structures or locks. While the dam has not been inspected in recent years and its emergency action plan status is unknown, the community can rest assured that Berndsen Lake Dam plays a critical role in supporting the surrounding environment and recreational activities while maintaining a relatively low hazard potential.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-AUSBIN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.1

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

108.8

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.