Kernodle Lake Dam Number Four

About Kernodle Lake Dam Number Four

The primary purpose of Kernodle Lake Dam Number Four is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Jim Kernodle (private). It impounds the Tr To Blue River near Kansas City.

The dam stands 32 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 9 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 154 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 340 square miles. Completed in 1932, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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. The most recent inspection on record was 01/21/1981. That was 45 years ago — unusually long for a high-hazard dam, which typically requires more frequent inspections.

At 32 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.

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.

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