Lake Lafayette Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Lafayette 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 | 44 ft (taller than 92% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 870 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 77 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,589 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| NID ID | MO20415 |
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
LAFAYETTE LAND CO.
Private
Nearby Dams
Sheik-Ollie Lake Dam
Lafayette, MO
Low Hazard 25 ftOdessa Old Reservoir Dam
Lafayette, MO
Low Hazard 33 ftOdessa City Lake Dam
Lafayette, MO
High Hazard 47 ftBrown Lake Dam
Lafayette, MO
Low Hazard 25 ftLake Venita Dam
Lafayette, MO
High Hazard 30 ftLittle Sni-A-Bar Creek Dam 45
Lafayette, MO
Low Hazard 32 ftBartlett Lake Dam
Lafayette, MO
Low Hazard 25 ftE.Br So Fk Blackwater C-13
Johnson, MO
Low Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Lafayette Dam?
Lake Lafayette 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 Lafayette Dam?
Lake Lafayette Dam is owned by LAFAYETTE LAND CO. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Lafayette Dam built?
Lake Lafayette 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 Lake Lafayette Dam?
Lake Lafayette 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 Lafayette Dam?
Lake Lafayette Dam has a dam height of 44 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 Lafayette Dam last inspected?
Lake Lafayette Dam was last inspected on October 26, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.