Lake Cherokee Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Apache Dam Yacovelli Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Lake Cherokee Dam, located in Irondale, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1972 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 27 feet, the dam impounds the waters of TR Dry Creek, creating a picturesque lake with a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, the dam has a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring.
The dam has not been inspected since July 1979, with its condition currently rated as "Not Rated." While it is not regulated or permitted by the state, the dam poses a potential risk to the surrounding area in case of failure. The lack of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps further underscore the need for proactive risk management measures to ensure the safety of nearby residents and visitors to the lake.
Although Lake Cherokee Dam serves as a popular recreational spot, its high hazard potential and outdated inspection records raise concerns about its safety and maintenance. With the dam not meeting state regulatory standards and lacking essential emergency preparedness measures, there is a pressing need for comprehensive risk assessment and management to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the long-term stability of the structure.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
285 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Lake Cherokee Dam