Sunnen Dam
Key Takeaway
Sunnen Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 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 | 51 ft (taller than 95.4% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 198 acres |
| Drainage Area | 27 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,364 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
| NID ID | MO30111 |
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
YMCA of the Ozarks
Private
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sunnen Dam?
Sunnen 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 Sunnen Dam?
Sunnen Dam is owned by YMCA of the Ozarks (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sunnen Dam built?
Sunnen Dam was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Sunnen Dam?
Sunnen 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 Sunnen Dam?
Sunnen Dam has a dam height of 51 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 Sunnen Dam last inspected?
Sunnen Dam was last inspected on March 7, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.