Draper Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Draper Lake Dam in Chaffee, Missouri, stands as a private-owned structure completed in 1955 for purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
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Summary
With a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, this earth-type dam serves a drainage area of 36 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition remains unrated, highlighting the need for further assessment and potential risk management measures.
Located in Scott County, Missouri, Draper Lake Dam is under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis District but does not fall under state regulation or inspection. The dam's primary purpose of fire protection indicates its essential role in safeguarding the surrounding area. While the dam does not feature a spillway or outlet gates, its operational history and emergency preparedness protocols require further evaluation to ensure its functionality and safety in the face of potential climate events and changing water resource conditions.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Draper Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and management. Its historical significance, coupled with its current status as an unregulated structure, raises questions about the need for comprehensive monitoring and maintenance strategies to mitigate potential risks and ensure the dam's long-term sustainability. As climate-related challenges continue to impact water resources, the importance of proactive management and assessment of structures like Draper Lake Dam becomes increasingly evident in safeguarding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
#NAME? |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
36 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mississippi River At Thebes
|
96800cfs |
Little River Ditch No. 1 Near Morehouse
|
148cfs |
Castor River At Zalma
|
266cfs |
Cache River At Forman
|
23cfs |
Bayou Creek Near Grahamville
|
5cfs |
Little Bayou Creek Near Grahamville
|
1cfs |
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.
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