Lost Valley-West-Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Lost Valley-West-Lake Dam, located in Cedar Hill, Missouri, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

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
       
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.