Memphis Lake Dam

TR-NORTH FABIUS RIVER· Scotland, Missouri· Built 1975· Earth· 60 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Memphis Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 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 60 ft (taller than 97.3% in MO)
Dam Length1,635 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage6.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.1K acre-ft
Surface Area248 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge4,665 cfs
Year Completed1975 (51 years old)
Year Modified1985
NID IDMO10217

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 9, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Dam and Reservoir Safety Program

Ownership

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Memphis Lake Dam?

Memphis Lake 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 Memphis Lake Dam?

Memphis Lake Dam is owned by information not available (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Memphis Lake Dam built?

Memphis Lake Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Memphis Lake Dam?

Memphis Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Memphis Lake Dam?

Memphis Lake Dam has a dam height of 60 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 Memphis Lake Dam last inspected?

Memphis Lake Dam was last inspected on March 9, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.