Ron Lutes Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ron Lutes is a private earth dam located in Marble Hill, Missouri, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1997 for flood risk reduction along the TR-CHICKEN CREEK.


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Summary

Standing at 27 feet high with a hydraulic height of 26 feet, this structure serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, grade stabilization, and recreation. With a normal storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 15 cubic feet per second, Ron Lutes plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.

Although classified as having a low hazard potential, Ron Lutes is considered to have moderate risk (3) based on a risk assessment. Despite its condition being labeled as "Not Rated," the dam has not been regularly inspected since November 2000. While the dam does not have outlet gates or associated structures, it features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 15 feet. As a critical infrastructure within the region, maintaining and monitoring Ron Lutes is essential to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction and water resource management.

Located within the St. Louis District and owned privately, Ron Lutes remains a significant asset in the area's water resource and climate resilience efforts. With its stone core and soil foundations, this dam serves as a vital structure in the local landscape. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about Ron Lutes and its ongoing maintenance and risk management measures is crucial to ensuring the safety and sustainability of this essential infrastructure.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

536

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-CHICKEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

76.8

Nid Storage

109

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Ron LutesCastor River at Zalma Preview Castor River At Zalma
281.0cfs
281cfs
Ron LutesLittle St. Francis River at Fredericktown Preview Little St. Francis River At Fredericktown
1.1cfs
1cfs
Ron LutesSt. Francis River near Saco Preview St. Francis River Near Saco
171.0cfs
171cfs
Ron LutesSt. Francis River near Mill Creek Preview St. Francis River Near Mill Creek
75.3cfs
75cfs
Ron LutesSouth Fork Saline Creek near Perryville Preview South Fork Saline Creek Near Perryville
10.4cfs
10cfs
Ron LutesSt. Francis River near Patterson Preview St. Francis River Near Patterson
220.0cfs
220cfs

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.
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Nearby Reservoirs