Gehrke Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Gehrke Lake Dam, located in Gasconade County, Missouri, was completed in 1969 and serves primarily for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

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
       
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.