Peters Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Peters Lake Dam, located in St.


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Summary

Clair, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1972 for recreation purposes. The dam has a height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 50 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary to Hoosier Creek and covers a surface area of 6 acres with a drainage area of 70 acres.

Despite being privately owned, Peters Lake Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Missouri and is not regulated, inspected, or enforced by any state agency. The dam has a high hazard potential, but its condition assessment has not been rated. Although the dam does not have a spillway, it is designed with buttress core types and an unlisted/unknown foundation. The emergency action plan for the dam has not been prepared or updated, and no risk assessment or management measures have been implemented.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Peters Lake Dam serves as an interesting case study of a privately owned recreational dam in Missouri with limited state oversight and risk management measures. The dam's high hazard potential and lack of a rated condition assessment raise concerns about its safety and the potential impacts of a failure on the surrounding area. The absence of an emergency action plan and updated inundation maps further highlight the need for improved risk management practices for dams like Peters Lake Dam to ensure the safety of nearby communities and the long-term sustainability of water resources.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR TO HOOSIER CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

70

Nid Storage

96

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.