Penny Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Penny Lake Dam, located in Dawn, Missouri, is a privately owned Earth dam that was completed in 1960.
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Summary
The primary purpose of this structure is to create a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with additional purposes including Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Grade Stabilization, and Recreation. The dam has a height of 21 feet and a length of 750 feet, with a storage capacity of 109 acre-feet and a drainage area of 131 acres.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Penny Lake Dam poses a moderate risk according to a risk assessment rating of 3. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 36 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 230 cubic feet per second. While the dam is not regulated or inspected by the state, it remains an important structure for local wildlife and recreational activities in the area.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Penny Lake Dam an interesting case study due to its unique purpose as a Fish and Wildlife Pond and its moderate risk assessment rating. The dam's location on TR-Little Otter Creek in Caldwell County, Missouri, provides valuable habitat for various species and contributes to the local ecosystem. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the management and maintenance of structures like Penny Lake Dam becomes crucial for ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and wildlife.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE OTTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
131 |
Nid Storage |
109 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Penny Lake Dam