Kemp Lake Dam

TRIBUTARY OF LITTLE BOURBEUSE· Crawford, Missouri· Built 1937· Rockfill· 22 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Kemp Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 22 ft (taller than 14.9% in MO)
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage212 acre-ft
Normal Storage105 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area519 sq mi
Year Completed1937 (89 years old)
NID IDMO30035

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: June 27, 1979
State Regulated: No

Ownership

MRS. FRED KEMP

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kemp Lake Dam?

Kemp 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 Kemp Lake Dam?

Kemp Lake Dam is owned by MRS. FRED KEMP (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kemp Lake Dam built?

Kemp Lake Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Kemp Lake Dam?

Kemp Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Kemp Lake Dam?

Kemp Lake Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Kemp Lake Dam last inspected?

Kemp Lake Dam was last inspected on June 27, 1979. 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.