Big Oak Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Big Oak Lake Dam, located in Mississippi County, Missouri, was completed in 1960 and serves as a primary water resource for recreation purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 10 feet and a storage capacity of 128 acre-feet, the dam stands as a vital structure for maintaining normal water levels in the area. Situated on the Wilkerson Ditch, the dam contributes to the surface area of 24 acres and drains a 24-acre watershed.
Managed by the state of Missouri, Big Oak Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition assessment. While it is not regulated by the state or subject to regular inspections, the dam continues to provide essential recreational opportunities for the local community. Despite its earth core type and buttress foundation, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks detailed information on its spillway type or maximum discharge capacity.
Although Big Oak Lake Dam may not be a high-profile structure, its role in water management and recreation should not be underestimated. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Big Oak Lake becomes increasingly crucial. With its serene location and valuable storage capacity, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and outdoor recreation in the heart of Missouri.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
WILKERSON DITCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Drainage Area |
24 |
Nid Storage |
128 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Reelfoot Creek Near Samburg
|
5cfs |
Indian Creek Near Samburg
|
0cfs |
Bayou De Chien Near Clinton
|
29cfs |
Little River Ditch No. 1 Near Morehouse
|
110cfs |
North Fork Obion River Near Martin
|
207cfs |
Mississippi River At Thebes
|
103000cfs |
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.
Big Oak Lake Dam
Mississippi County