Potter Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Potter Lake Dam, located in Lafayette County, Missouri, serves a primary purpose of grade stabilization along the TR-SNI-A-BAR Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1972, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and spans 600 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's condition is currently not rated, but it meets guidelines for emergency action preparedness. Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the area.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is constructed with a stone core on a soil foundation. It has a hydraulic height of 34 feet and a structural height of 36 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 502 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area has a surface area of 7 acres and a drainage area of 313.6 square miles. Although the dam has not been inspected recently, its risk management measures are in place to ensure the safety of the community in case of emergencies. With its strategic location and design, Potter Lake Dam is a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

In the event of a potential emergency, it is essential to have updated emergency action plans and contact information. While Potter Lake Dam has not had recent inspections or condition assessments, its moderate risk level indicates the need for proactive risk management measures. As a privately owned structure, the responsibility falls on the owners to ensure the dam's safety and functionality for the surrounding community and environment. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the critical role that Potter Lake Dam plays in maintaining the balance of water flow and mitigating flood risks in Lafayette County, Missouri.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR-SNI-A-BAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

313.6

Nid Storage

82

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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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.