Kelsey Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Kelsey Lake Dam, located in Buchanan County, Missouri, is a privately owned structure primarily designed for flood risk reduction along the Candy Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at 27 feet high and stretches 350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet. Despite being unregulated by the state, the dam serves multiple purposes including grade stabilization and recreation, making it a vital asset for the local community.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Kelsey Lake Dam is currently not rated for its condition but is deemed to meet guidelines for emergency action plans. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet and no outlet gates, emphasizing its simplistic yet effective design. While it may not be heavily monitored by state agencies, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area, showcasing the importance of private ownership in water resource management.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Kelsey Lake Dam an intriguing case study, highlighting the intersection of private ownership, flood risk reduction, and community resilience. Despite its unregulated status, the dam's strategic location and design make it a valuable asset for managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. As discussions around climate change and water resource management continue to evolve, the role of dams like Kelsey Lake in safeguarding communities and ecosystems becomes increasingly significant.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-CANDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

350

Nid Storage

26

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.