Sullivan Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Sullivan Lake Dam, located in Portland, Missouri, was completed in 1977 and serves as a vital structure for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Owned privately, the dam stands at a height of 41 feet and has a length of 430 feet, with a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet. It is situated on the TR-Auxvasse Creek, within the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency for dam and reservoir safety.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Sullivan Lake Dam is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating potential vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. It is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor the maintenance and management of the dam to ensure the safety and integrity of this critical infrastructure.

With a history of state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, Sullivan Lake Dam remains a focal point for environmental protection and risk management in the region. The dam's design by Gene Bowen and its primary purpose for recreation underscore the importance of sustainable water resource practices and climate resilience. As an earth dam with a buttress core type, Sullivan Lake Dam exemplifies the intersection of human engineering and natural resource conservation.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

430

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

TR-AUXVASSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

85

Nid Storage

135

Structural Height

41

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

41
       
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.