Gehrke Lake Dam, located in Gasconade County, Missouri, was completed in 1969 and serves primarily for flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at 31 feet tall and stretches 490 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 37 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Horstman Creek, the dam's purpose also includes fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as offering recreational opportunities for visitors.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Gehrke Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite not being regulated by the state, the dam remains an essential structure in managing water resources in the area. The uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 24 feet, ensures the safe release of water during high flow events, protecting downstream communities and habitats. While the dam currently does not have outlet gates, it continues to play a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gehrke Lake Dam offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of infrastructure and nature. Its design as an earth dam with a stone core, built on a soil foundation, showcases the engineering ingenuity required to manage water resources effectively. As a privately owned structure, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for continued investment in maintaining critical infrastructure for the benefit of both human and environmental communities.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
490 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-HORSTMAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
128 |
Nid Storage |
37 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Missouri River At Hermann
|
31200cfs |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
110cfs |
Gasconade River Near Rich Fountain
|
960cfs |
Cuivre River Near Troy
|
29cfs |
Maries River At Westphalia
|
16cfs |
Bourbeuse River Near High Gate
|
1cfs |