Manito Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Manito Dam, also known as Manito Lake Dam, is a state-owned structure located in Moniteau, Missouri, along the Little Richland Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1984 by the Missouri Department of Conservation, this earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and has a length of 2200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 918 acre-feet for recreational purposes. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a spillway width of 90 feet and a maximum discharge of 4670 cubic feet per second, Manito Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed in 2007. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam has an emergency action plan in place, with regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 77 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. Overall, Manito Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the region, showcasing the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in safeguarding our natural resources.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

2200

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

LITTLE RICHLAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

77

Drainage Area

1480

Nid Storage

918

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

43
       
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.