Dennis Lee Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Dennis Lee Dam, located in Utica, Missouri, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1995 for grade stabilization along the TR-POLE CAT river.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 27 feet with a hydraulic height of 25 feet, the dam spans 519 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been rated for its condition but is reportedly in good standing.

Despite being privately owned, Dennis Lee Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Missouri and is not regulated or inspected by any state agency. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet and has no outlet gates or associated structures. While the dam's primary purpose is grade stabilization, it serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 100.03 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating the impact of climate variability in the region.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

519

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-POLE CAT

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

100.03

Nid Storage

35

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.