Lake Thunderhead Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Thunderhead Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 | 54 ft (taller than 96.1% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 1,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 28.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,015 acres |
| Drainage Area | 26 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 13,170 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1993 |
| NID ID | MO10007 |
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
WILDFLOWER POA
Private
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Low Hazard 31 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Thunderhead Dam?
Lake Thunderhead 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 Thunderhead Dam?
Lake Thunderhead Dam is owned by WILDFLOWER POA (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Thunderhead Dam built?
Lake Thunderhead Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Thunderhead Dam?
Lake Thunderhead 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 Thunderhead Dam?
Lake Thunderhead Dam has a dam height of 54 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 Thunderhead Dam last inspected?
Lake Thunderhead Dam was last inspected on July 15, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.