Lake Paho Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Paho Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 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 | 40 ft (taller than 89.7% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 1,075 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 269 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,758 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1951 (75 years old) |
| NID ID | MO10108 |
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
MO DEPT OF CONSERVATION
State Government
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High Hazard 23 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Paho Dam?
Lake Paho 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 Paho Dam?
Lake Paho Dam is owned by MO DEPT OF CONSERVATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Paho Dam built?
Lake Paho Dam was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Paho Dam?
Lake Paho 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 Paho Dam?
Lake Paho Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Paho Dam last inspected?
Lake Paho Dam was last inspected on November 30, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.