Spring Fork Lake Dam

CHEESE CK· Pettis, Missouri· Built 1925· Earth· 43 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Spring Fork Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1925 and is 101 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 43 ft (taller than 91.5% in MO)
Dam Length1,600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.6K acre-ft
Surface Area128 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Max Discharge4,700 cfs
Year Completed1925 (101 years old)
Year Modified1988
NID IDMO30152

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: October 7, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Dam and Reservoir Safety Program

Ownership

CITY OF SEDALIA WATER DP

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Spring Fork Lake Dam?

Spring Fork 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 Spring Fork Lake Dam?

Spring Fork Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF SEDALIA WATER DP (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Spring Fork Lake Dam built?

Spring Fork Lake Dam was completed in 1925, making it 101 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 Spring Fork Lake Dam?

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

How tall is Spring Fork Lake Dam?

Spring Fork Lake Dam has a dam height of 43 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 Spring Fork Lake Dam last inspected?

Spring Fork Lake Dam was last inspected on October 7, 2020. 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.