Walnut Hill Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Moty Lake Dam Wayman-Fuhring Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Walnut Hill Lake Dam, located in Gascondy, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1973 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 28 acres along the TR-Dry Fork River. Although not state regulated or inspected, the dam has a high hazard potential, making it crucial for proper maintenance and emergency preparedness.
With a surface area of 8 acres, Walnut Hill Lake Dam not only plays a vital role in flood protection but also serves multiple purposes including fire protection, irrigation, and recreation. Despite being categorized as a high hazard dam, its condition assessment is currently not rated, highlighting the need for further evaluation. As an enthusiast of water resources and climate, monitoring and understanding the management measures and potential risks associated with this dam is essential for ensuring its long-term stability and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the region.
The presence of Walnut Hill Lake Dam in the Kansas City District underscores the importance of private dam owners taking proactive measures to address potential hazards and maintain the integrity of critical infrastructure. With its location in Phelps County, Missouri, and its association with the TR-Dry Fork River, this dam serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water resources, climate patterns, and the need for sustainable and resilient water management practices. As climate change continues to impact water systems, staying informed and engaged in the maintenance and regulation of dams like Walnut Hill Lake Dam is crucial for protecting communities and ecosystems from the increasing risks of flooding and water scarcity.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-DRY FORK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
28 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Meramec River Near Steelville
|
244cfs |
Bourbeuse River Near High Gate
|
2cfs |
Meramec River At Cook Station
|
47cfs |
Little Piney Creek At Newburg
|
82cfs |
Gasconade River At Jerome
|
944cfs |
Meramec River Near Sullivan
|
522cfs |
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.
Walnut Hill Lake Dam