Sunset Lake Dam (Lake Ski Dam) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Eagle Lake Dam Lake Heron Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sunset Lake Dam, also known as Lake Ski Dam, is a private earth dam located in Bloomsdale, Missouri.
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Summary
Completed in 1976, this recreational dam stands at a height of 66 feet and spans 800 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 1140 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Little Hickory Creek, within the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2007, Sunset Lake Dam is regulated by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program in Missouri. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 3781 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam is inspected every two years to ensure its structural integrity and the safety of the surrounding community.
While Sunset Lake Dam serves primarily for recreation, its importance extends beyond leisure activities. With its impressive storage capacity and role in flood control on Little Hickory Creek, the dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the area. Its strategic location and design make it a key asset for both water enthusiasts and climate advocates interested in sustainable water management practices.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
66 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE HICKORY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
65 |
Drainage Area |
3500 |
Nid Storage |
1840 |
Structural Height |
66 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
66 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big River Below Desloge
|
56cfs |
South Fork Saline Creek Near Perryville
|
10cfs |
Mississippi River At Chester
|
96900cfs |
Big River At Irondale
|
25cfs |
Little St. Francis River At Fredericktown
|
1cfs |
Big River Near Richwoods
|
207cfs |
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.
Sunset Lake Dam (Lake Ski Dam)