Lake Northwoods Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Northwoods Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 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 | 50 ft (taller than 95% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 1,277 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 83 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,588 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
| NID ID | MO30110 |
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 NORTHWOODS ESTATE
Private
Nearby Dams
Lake Northwoods Dam West
Gasconade, MO
Low Hazard 33 ftAhmad Lake Dam
Gasconade, MO
Low Hazard 25 ftDougherty Dam
Gasconade, MO
Low Hazard 34 ftBecker Lake Dam
Gasconade, MO
Low Hazard 30 ftLimberg Lake Dam
Gasconade, MO
Low Hazard 25 ftSouth Sediment Pond Dam
Gasconade, MO
Significant Hazard 63 ftKerry Brehe Dam
Gasconade, MO
Low Hazard 26 ftJackson Lake Dam
Gasconade, MO
Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Northwoods Dam?
Lake Northwoods 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 Northwoods Dam?
Lake Northwoods Dam is owned by LAKE NORTHWOODS ESTATE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Northwoods Dam built?
Lake Northwoods Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Northwoods Dam?
Lake Northwoods 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 Northwoods Dam?
Lake Northwoods Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Northwoods Dam last inspected?
Lake Northwoods Dam was last inspected on November 4, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.