Lost Valley-West-Lake Dam, located in Cedar Hill, Missouri, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1973, this earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 42 acre-feet. Despite its small surface area of 3 acres and drainage area of 70 square miles, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its condition being rated as "Not Rated."
The dam, situated on TR to Maupin Creek, falls under the jurisdiction of the Kansas City District and is not regulated or inspected by the state. With no designated emergency action plan in place and a lack of updated risk assessments, the potential consequences of any failure could be severe. The dam's proximity to residential areas and the high hazard classification highlight the importance of implementing adequate risk management measures and ensuring that emergency protocols are in place.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Lost Valley-West-Lake Dam an intriguing case study due to its private ownership, limited regulatory oversight, and high hazard potential. As discussions around dam safety and emergency preparedness continue to gain importance in the face of changing climate conditions, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive risk assessment and management to prevent potential disasters and protect surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR TO MAUPIN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
70 |
Nid Storage |
42 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Big River Near Richwoods
|
164cfs |
Big River At Byrnesville
|
181cfs |
Meramec River At Pacific
|
590cfs |
Meramec River Near Sullivan
|
386cfs |
Bourbeuse River At Union
|
88cfs |
Meramec River Near Eureka
|
1010cfs |