Potosi Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Potosi Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1947 and is 79 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 | 33 ft (taller than 79.3% in MO) |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 438 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 438 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 555 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1947 (79 years old) |
| NID ID | MO30477 |
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
POTOSI LAKE VILLAGE
Private
Nearby Dams
Lac Shayne Dam
Washington, MO
High Hazard 72 ftLac Veron Dam
St. Francois, MO
High Hazard 39 ftLake Apache Dam
Washington, MO
High Hazard 41 ftLake Cherokee Dam
Washington, MO
High Hazard 27 ftLac Tiffany Dam
St. Francois, MO
Low Hazard 34 ftLac Catalina Dam
St. Francois, MO
High Hazard 34 ftLac Bourbon Dam
St. Francois, MO
High Hazard 43 ftLac Capri Dam
St. Francois, MO
High Hazard 97 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Potosi Lake Dam?
Potosi 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 Potosi Lake Dam?
Potosi Lake Dam is owned by POTOSI LAKE VILLAGE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Potosi Lake Dam built?
Potosi Lake Dam was completed in 1947, making it 79 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 Potosi Lake Dam?
Potosi 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 Potosi Lake Dam?
Potosi Lake Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Potosi Lake Dam last inspected?
Potosi Lake Dam was last inspected on June 25, 1980. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.