Cramer Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Cramer, a privately owned earth dam located in Lafayette, Missouri, was completed in 1997 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

With a height of 29 feet and a capacity of 47 acre-feet, this dam serves a variety of purposes including flood control and water storage. Despite its low hazard potential, Cramer still poses a moderate risk due to its outdated infrastructure and lack of recent condition assessments.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cramer is part of the Kansas City District and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Missouri. With a drainage area of 211.2 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Although it lacks certain regulatory measures such as regular inspections and enforcement, Cramer remains a vital piece of infrastructure for the local community.

With its uncontrolled spillway and stone core design, Cramer stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and updating aging water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Cramer will play an increasingly crucial role in mitigating the effects of extreme weather events and ensuring the resilience of local communities.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

29

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

211.2

Nid Storage

47

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.