Lake Hollenbeck Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Hollenbeck Dam, located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is a rockfill structure designed by Carl Walfers and completed in 1964.


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Summary

With a height of 43 feet and a length of 760 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 27 acres and a storage capacity of 580 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROG, ensuring its inspection, permitting, and enforcement comply with state regulations.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Lake Hollenbeck Dam poses a high hazard potential, indicating the need for careful monitoring and risk management measures. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and is associated with a tributary to Cape LaCroix Creek, with a drainage area of 166 square miles. Its moderate risk assessment suggests a balanced level of concern for potential safety hazards, warranting continued attention to its upkeep and maintenance to ensure safe operation and protection of surrounding areas and communities.

In the hands of a private owner, Lake Hollenbeck Dam stands as a recreational gem in the region, offering not only a picturesque getaway but also a reminder of the delicate balance between water resource management and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate patterns. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, the allure of Lake Hollenbeck Dam lies in its complex interplay of engineering marvel, recreational haven, and potential risk, inviting further exploration and understanding of the dynamic relationship between human interventions and natural ecosystems.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

760

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO CAPE LACROIX CR.

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

27

Drainage Area

166

Nid Storage

580

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

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.