Jestes Lake Dam

TR-NORTH FORK LOST CREEK· DeKalb, Missouri· Built 1976· Earth· 25 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Jestes Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. 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 25 ft (taller than 23.5% in MO)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage107 acre-ft
Normal Storage67 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area220 sq mi
Year Completed1976 (50 years old)
NID IDMO11247

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
State Regulated: No

Ownership

KEITH JESTES

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Jestes Lake Dam?

Jestes 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 Jestes Lake Dam?

Jestes Lake Dam is owned by KEITH JESTES (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Jestes Lake Dam built?

Jestes Lake Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Jestes Lake Dam?

Jestes Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Jestes Lake Dam?

Jestes Lake Dam has a dam height of 25 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.

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.