Hoffman Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hoffman Lake Dam, located in Richwoods, Missouri, was completed in 1977 and serves as a recreational resource for the community.


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Summary

With a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 134 acre-feet, the dam is situated on the TR-Little Indian Creek and covers a surface area of 10 acres. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam also poses a high hazard potential due to its structural nature and location.

Owned privately, Hoffman Lake Dam is not regulated or permitted by the state, with no formal inspection or enforcement protocols in place. The dam's condition is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating a lack of recent assessment or maintenance activity. Although the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not specified, its proximity to Washington County highlights the importance of ensuring its safety and functionality to prevent potential hazards and protect the local ecosystem.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hoffman Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam with a high hazard potential. The lack of regulatory oversight and assessment raises concerns about the dam's safety and potential risks to the surrounding area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize the maintenance and monitoring of structures like Hoffman Lake Dam to mitigate potential threats and ensure the safety of both the dam and the community it serves.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

100

Nid Storage

134

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.