Sunrise Big Lake Dam
Sunrise Big Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Missouri, built in 1961. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Sunrise Big Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Sunrise Big Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Sunrise Lakes Associatio (private). It impounds the Tr To Joachim Creek near Desoto.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 480 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 12 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 168 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1961, 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 02/09/2023.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% 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.
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 | Tr To Joachim Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.04028, -90.54009 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 168 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 168 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 97 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,229 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | SUNRISE LAKES ASSOCIATIO |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 02/09/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MO30457 |
| Federal ID | MO30457 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |