Hidden Valley Lake Dam

POPS BRANCH· Mercer, Missouri· Built 1972· Earth· 26 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Hidden Valley Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 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 26 ft (taller than 43.5% in MO)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage195 acre-ft
Normal Storage60 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area1,204 sq mi
Year Completed1972 (54 years old)
NID IDMO10665

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 14, 1978
State Regulated: No

Ownership

LAKE MARIE LOT OWN ASSOC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hidden Valley Lake Dam?

Hidden Valley 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 Hidden Valley Lake Dam?

Hidden Valley Lake Dam is owned by LAKE MARIE LOT OWN ASSOC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hidden Valley Lake Dam built?

Hidden Valley Lake Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Hidden Valley Lake Dam?

Hidden Valley 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 Hidden Valley Lake Dam?

Hidden Valley Lake Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Hidden Valley Lake Dam last inspected?

Hidden Valley Lake Dam was last inspected on July 14, 1978. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.