Cardinal Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shields Lake Dam Litschell Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Cardinal Lake Dam, located in Warren, Missouri, stands as a testament to modern engineering, completed in 2001 to serve as a crucial water resource for the area.
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Summary
This privately owned Earth dam, with a height of 44 feet, provides a maximum storage capacity of 176 acre-feet and normal storage of 96 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 370 feet and serves a drainage area of 182 square miles, ensuring a reliable source of water for the surrounding community.
Managed by the St. Louis District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Cardinal Lake Dam boasts a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as satisfactory in condition. Regular inspections, the most recent conducted in October 2017, ensure that the dam remains structurally sound and prepared for any emergencies. With a satisfactory rating and emergency action plan in place, Cardinal Lake Dam stands as a vital infrastructure piece for water management and flood control in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cardinal Lake Dam represents a unique blend of engineering excellence and environmental stewardship. Its presence on the TRIB TO CHARETTE stream, coupled with its efficient storage capacity and drainage area coverage, highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices in supporting both human needs and ecosystem health. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Cardinal Lake play a crucial role in safeguarding communities against flooding and ensuring a reliable water supply for future generations.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
370 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB TO CHARETTE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
182 |
Nid Storage |
176 |
Structural Height |
44 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
44 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cardinal Lake Dam