Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 | 47 ft (taller than 93.7% in MO) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 568 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 435 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 26 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 783 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1989 |
| NID ID | MO10876 |
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
MO DEPT OF CONSERVATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Whetstone Crk Wldlf Area-Sec 6-Upper
Callaway, MO
Low Hazard 19 ftWhetstone Creek Wldlf Area Dam Sec-32
Callaway, MO
Low Hazard 22 ftWhetstone Crk Wldlf Area Dam-Sec 8
Callaway, MO
Low Hazard 26 ftWilson Lake Dam
Callaway, MO
Low Hazard 26 ftMarti Lake Dam
Callaway, MO
Low Hazard 30 ftCovington Lake Dam
Callaway, MO
High Hazard 30 ftStaples Lake Dam
Callaway, MO
Low Hazard 27 ftG7g Cattle CO Dam West
Callaway, MO
High Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam?
Whetstone Creek Big 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 Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam?
Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam is owned by MO DEPT OF CONSERVATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam built?
Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam?
Whetstone Creek Big 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 Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam?
Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam has a dam height of 47 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 Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam last inspected?
Whetstone Creek Big Lake Dam was last inspected on March 9, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.