Patterson Lake Dam

TR-THIRD CREEK· Osage, Missouri· Built 1972· Earth· 31 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Patterson Lake 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 31 ft (taller than 73.7% in MO)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage166 acre-ft
Normal Storage100 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area230 sq mi
Year Completed1972 (54 years old)
NID IDMO11294

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: No
Last Inspection: September 11, 1990
State Regulated: No

Ownership

JAMES A PATTERSON

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Patterson Lake Dam?

Patterson 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 Patterson Lake Dam?

Patterson Lake Dam is owned by JAMES A PATTERSON (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Patterson Lake Dam built?

Patterson Lake 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 Patterson Lake Dam?

Patterson Lake 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 Patterson Lake Dam?

Patterson Lake Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Patterson Lake Dam last inspected?

Patterson Lake Dam was last inspected on September 11, 1990. 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.