Riss Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Riss Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 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 | 93 ft (taller than 99.4% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 1,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 140 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 70 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | MO10926 |
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
RISS LAKE HOMEOWNERS ASC
Private
Nearby Dams
Enoch Lake Dam
Platte, MO
Low Hazard 20 ftAdkison Lake Dam
Platte, MO
High Hazard 20 ftWeatherby Lake Dam
Platte, MO
High Hazard 84 ftBreen Lake Dam
Platte, MO
High Hazard 25 ftLake Waukomis Dam
Platte, MO
High Hazard 68 ftBell, Francis Lake Dam
Platte, MO
High Hazard 25 ftHouston Lake Dam
Platte, MO
High Hazard 22 ftMononame791
Platte, MO
High Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Riss Lake Dam?
Riss 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 Riss Lake Dam?
Riss Lake Dam is owned by RISS LAKE HOMEOWNERS ASC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Riss Lake Dam built?
Riss Lake Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Riss Lake Dam?
Riss 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 Riss Lake Dam?
Riss Lake Dam has a dam height of 93 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 Riss Lake Dam last inspected?
Riss Lake Dam was last inspected on August 17, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.