Dessieux Lake Dam
Dessieux Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Washington County, Missouri, built in 1968. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Dessieux Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Dessieux Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Mr Dessieux&mrs Pertell (private). It impounds the Tr Bates Creek near Bates Creek Camp.
The dam stands 28 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 18 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 470 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 750 square miles. Completed in 1968, 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. The most recent inspection on record was 08/24/1978. That was 47 years ago — unusually long for a high-hazard dam, which typically requires more frequent inspections.
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 | Washington |
| Nearest City | Bates Creek Camp |
| River/Stream | Tr Bates Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.88514, -90.80842 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Height | 28 ft |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 470 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 470 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 470 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 18 acres |
| Drainage Area | 750 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | MR DESSIEUX&MRS PERTELL |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 08/24/1978 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MO30994 |
| Federal ID | MO30994 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |