Ellis Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Ellis Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 29 ft (taller than 59.6% in MO) |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 62 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 130 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
| NID ID | MO31067 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
HAROLD ELLIS
Private
Nearby Dams
Lakenan Lake Dam
Perry, MO
High Hazard 30 ftRock Valley Lake Dam
Perry, MO
Low Hazard 25 ftLach Difani Dam
Perry, MO
Low Hazard 28 ftMark Steinbecker
Perry, MO
Low Hazard 28 ftEddleman Lake Dam
Perry, MO
High Hazard 32 ftCedar Valley Lake Dam
Ste. Genevieve, MO
Low Hazard 25 ftPerry County Comm. Lake Dam
Perry, MO
High Hazard 47 ftMary's Lake Dam
Perry, MO
Low Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ellis Lake Dam?
Ellis Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Ellis Lake Dam?
Ellis Lake Dam is owned by HAROLD ELLIS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ellis Lake Dam built?
Ellis Lake Dam was completed in 1973, making it 53 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Ellis Lake Dam?
Ellis Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ellis Lake Dam?
Ellis Lake Dam has a dam height of 29 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Ellis Lake Dam last inspected?
Ellis Lake Dam was last inspected on December 19, 1980. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.