Lost Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lost Valley Lake Dam, located in Junction City, Missouri, is a privately owned structure designed by Truman Ragsdale in 1971.


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Summary

This earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 38 feet and spans 600 feet in length, serving primarily for recreation purposes. With a storage capacity of 381 acre-feet and a surface area of 18 acres, the dam holds back the waters of TR to Village Creek, offering a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

State-regulated and inspected, Lost Valley Lake Dam has been deemed to have a high hazard potential but maintains a satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2007. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 100 feet to manage potential excess water flow. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam remains a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to explore the beauty of Madison County, Missouri, and its surrounding areas.

With its stunning location and recreational opportunities, Lost Valley Lake Dam continues to attract visitors and outdoor enthusiasts alike. As a privately owned structure under state jurisdiction, the dam stands as a testament to both engineering ingenuity and natural beauty, offering a unique blend of water resource management and climate appreciation for those who venture to its shores.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

TR TO VILLAGE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

385

Nid Storage

381

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

38
       
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.