Kemper Dam
Key Takeaway
Kemper Dam is classified as low hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 31 ft (taller than 73.7% in MO) |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 66 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 33 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 50 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | MO20243 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
WM T +J M KEMPER
Private
Nearby Dams
Williams Lake Dam
Cass, MO
Low Hazard 27 ftMill Creek Dam
Cass, MO
High Hazard 62 ftWillow Lake
Johnson, KS
High Hazard 28 ftTom Smith Lake West
Jackson, MO
High Hazard 50 ftDam KS04165
Johnson, KS
Low Hazard 35 ftTom Smith South Lake Dam
Jackson, MO
High Hazard 57 ftTom Smith Lake -East Dam
Jackson, MO
High Hazard 55 ftSpears Dam
Johnson, KS
Significant Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kemper Dam?
Kemper Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Kemper Dam?
Kemper Dam is owned by WM T +J M KEMPER (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Kemper Dam built?
Kemper Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Kemper Dam?
Kemper 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 Kemper Dam?
Kemper Dam has a dam height of 31 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.