Prairie Lee Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Prairie Lee Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 | 69 ft (taller than 98.4% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 980 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 300 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 27,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
| NID ID | MO10044 |
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
JACKSON COPARKS & REC
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Legacy Dam
Jackson, MO
High Hazard 31 ftSummit Mills Dam
Jackson, MO
High Hazard 22 ftChapel Woods Golf Course Lake Dam
Jackson, MO
Low Hazard 25 ftPlover Lake Dam
Jackson, MO
Low Hazard 22 ftLake Jacomo Dam
Jackson, MO
High Hazard 74 ftJackrabbit Lake Dam
Jackson, MO
Low Hazard 27 ftCatclaw Lake Dam
Jackson, MO
Low Hazard 31 ftBarber Lake Dam
Jackson, MO
High Hazard 57 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Prairie Lee Lake Dam?
Prairie Lee 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 Prairie Lee Lake Dam?
Prairie Lee Lake Dam is owned by JACKSON COPARKS & REC (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Prairie Lee Lake Dam built?
Prairie Lee Lake Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Prairie Lee Lake Dam?
Prairie Lee 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 Prairie Lee Lake Dam?
Prairie Lee Lake Dam has a dam height of 69 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 Prairie Lee Lake Dam last inspected?
Prairie Lee Lake Dam was last inspected on October 26, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.