Summer Set Lake Dam
Summer Set Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Missouri, built in 1974. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Summer Set Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Summer Set Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Summer Set Poa (private). It impounds the Falling Rock Branch near Desoto.
The dam stands 63 feet tall and stretches 1,200 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 79 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,750 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1974, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/16/2022.
At 63 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Missouri dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Missouri |
| County | Jefferson |
| Nearest City | Desoto |
| River/Stream | Falling Rock Branch |
| Coordinates | 38.09615, -90.57129 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 63 ft |
| Dam Height | 59 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,200 ft |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,750 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,750 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,336 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 79 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 260 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | SUMMER SET POA |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/16/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MO30459 |
| Federal ID | MO30459 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |