John Paul Dobson Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Located in Lafayette, Missouri, the John Paul Dobson dam is a privately owned structure designed by NRCS for the purpose of grade stabilization on Cottonwood Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 2005, this earth dam stands at a height of 31.8 feet and has a storage capacity of 24.3 acre-feet with a normal storage of 16.21 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, this dam serves a crucial function in managing the flow of water in the area.
Despite being privately owned, the John Paul Dobson dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Missouri, with no state regulations or inspections in place. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, serving as essential safety features. With a drainage area of 32 square miles and a maximum discharge of 10.89 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flood risks and ensuring water resource management.
Although not rated for its condition assessment, the John Paul Dobson dam remains an integral part of the local water infrastructure. With its strategic location and design, this dam effectively controls water flow on Cottonwood Creek and provides valuable grade stabilization benefits. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will appreciate the importance of this structure in maintaining the ecological balance in Lafayette, Missouri.
Year Completed |
2005 |
Dam Length |
318 |
Dam Height |
31.8 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CR. |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
32 |
Nid Storage |
24.3 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
John Paul Dobson