Lac Calista Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lac Lafitte Dam Lac Emerald Dam
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Lac Calista Dam, located in Missouri on the TR BIG RIVER, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1977 primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 33 feet and a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 5 acres and serves a drainage area of 95 acres. Despite its modest size, the dam has a high hazard potential, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance and monitoring.
Owned by a private entity, Lac Calista Dam is not regulated or inspected by state agencies, raising concerns about its safety and emergency preparedness. The dam's condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," indicating a lack of recent evaluations. Given its high hazard potential, it is crucial for the owner to ensure that emergency action plans are in place, and the dam meets safety guidelines to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding community and environment.
Climate and water resource enthusiasts may be intrigued by Lac Calista Dam's unique design as an earth dam with buttress core types. The dam's location in St. Francois, Missouri, coupled with its recreational purpose, offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities. However, the lack of state regulation and inspection highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring to safeguard the integrity of the dam and ensure the safety of all those who benefit from its presence.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR BIG RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
95 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Lac Calista Dam