Sycamore Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hughes Lake Dam Green Gate Farms Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Sycamore Valley Lake Dam, located in Defiance, Missouri, is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
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Summary
Built in 2012, this earth dam stands at a height of 67 feet and has a hydraulic height of 59 feet, with a storage capacity of 2300 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 800 feet and is situated on Osage Creek, contributing to flood control and water supply for the surrounding area.
Managed by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Program in Missouri, Sycamore Valley Lake Dam has been deemed to have a high hazard potential due to its close proximity to residential areas. Despite this, the dam's condition assessment in 2012 reported it as satisfactory, with regular inspections and a moderate risk assessment score of 3. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 5200 cubic feet per second, serving as a vital piece of infrastructure for water management and climate resilience in the region.
As an enthusiast for water resources and climate resilience, Sycamore Valley Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam safety and management. With its strategic location on Osage Creek and its significant storage capacity, the dam plays a critical role in flood control and water supply for the St. Charles County area. As the region faces increasing challenges from climate change, understanding the design and management of structures like Sycamore Valley Lake Dam is key to ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
2012 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
67 |
River Or Stream |
OSAGE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
90.26 |
Hydraulic Height |
59 |
Drainage Area |
1293 |
Nid Storage |
2300 |
Structural Height |
72 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
72 |
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.
Sycamore Valley Lake Dam