Houska-Vehige Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Houska-Vehige Dam, located in Starkenburg, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam with a height of 42 feet and a hydraulic height of 36 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It was designed by ROBERT HEAGLER and is regulated by the DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY PROGRAM in Missouri. The dam has a storage capacity of 328 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of flood control on the unnamed tributary of Modak Creek.

With a hazard potential rated as high and a condition assessment of satisfactory, Houska-Vehige Dam poses a moderate risk to the surrounding area. The dam has a drainage area of 115 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 76 cubic feet per second. Despite the absence of outlet gates, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and a surface area of 15 acres.

The last inspection of Houska-Vehige Dam was conducted on September 19, 2017, with a frequency of every three years. The emergency action plan was last revised on February 20, 2015, and the dam meets regulatory guidelines. Overall, Houska-Vehige Dam is a vital structure for managing water resources in Montgomery County, Missouri, and plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region.

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIB OF MODAK CRK

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

115

Nid Storage

328

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

42
       
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.