Lake Forest Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Forest Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 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 | 47 ft (taller than 93.7% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 87 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,309 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1992 |
| NID ID | MO30087 |
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
LAKE FOREST EST.ASSOC.
Private
Nearby Dams
Lake Susan Dam
Ste. Genevieve, MO
High Hazard 33 ftLake Marian Dam
Ste. Genevieve, MO
High Hazard 34 ftEagle Lake Dam
Ste. Genevieve, MO
High Hazard 47 ftLake Heron Dam
Ste. Genevieve, MO
High Hazard 44 ftSunset Lake Dam (Lake Ski Dam)
Ste. Genevieve, MO
High Hazard 66 ftLake Lasata Dam
Ste. Genevieve, MO
High Hazard 80 ftGovro Dam(Shallow)
Ste. Genevieve, MO
High Hazard 34 ftSunset Lake Dam
Ste. Genevieve, MO
High Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Forest Dam?
Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest Dam?
Lake Forest Dam is owned by LAKE FOREST EST.ASSOC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Forest Dam built?
Lake Forest Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Lake Forest Dam?
Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest Dam?
Lake Forest Dam has a dam height of 47 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 Lake Forest Dam last inspected?
Lake Forest Dam was last inspected on March 7, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.