Pheasant Run Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Pheasant Run Lake Dam, located in St.


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Summary

Charles, Missouri, was completed in 1972 for the primary purpose of recreation. This earth dam with a structural height of 30 feet holds a normal storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and has a maximum storage of 64 acre-feet. The dam sits on Louisville Creek and covers a surface area of 4 acres with a drainage area of 150 square miles.

Despite its recreational purpose, Pheasant Run Lake Dam has a high hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated." The dam has not been inspected recently, and there is no established inspection frequency. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment information are also not available. With its ownership under a private entity and no state jurisdiction or regulation, the responsibility for the dam's maintenance and safety lies solely on the private owner.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Pheasant Run Lake Dam will find its unique design as an earth dam with a buttress core type intriguing. The dam's location on Louisville Creek and its proximity to the Kansas City District USACE office add to its significance. While offering recreational opportunities, the dam's lack of recent inspection and unclear emergency preparedness raise concerns about its safety and the potential risks it poses to the surrounding area in case of a dam failure.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

LOUISVILLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

150

Nid Storage

64

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.