Houston Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Houston Lake Dam, located in Lafayette County, Missouri, is a private-owned structure built in 1965 primarily for Fish and Wildlife Pond purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 26 feet and a length of 400 feet, this earth-type dam on TR-DAVIS CREEK serves multiple functions including Grade Stabilization and Recreation. With a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet and a low hazard potential, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Houston Lake Dam has a spillway width of 10 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 240 cubic feet per second. Despite being unregulated by the state and not having any inspection or enforcement measures in place, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. Although the dam's condition assessment is not rated, it continues to serve its purpose effectively in maintaining the local ecosystem and providing recreational opportunities for the community.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan status is not specified, and there are no records of recent inspections or updates to the contact information. However, with its critical role in flood control, wildlife habitat, and recreation, Houston Lake Dam remains a significant asset in the region, requiring continued monitoring and risk management to ensure the safety and sustainability of its operations.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-DAVIS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

12.8

Nid Storage

16

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.