[2] The lock and dam was named for the family of Auguste Pierre Chouteau (1786-1838), who was a pioneer European that settled in this area during the late 18th and early 19th Century.

[3][a] Chouteau Reservoir extends for 18.7 miles (30.1 km) to the next system on the Verdigris River, Newt Graham Lock & Dam.

[5] The MKARNS is often referred to as "the Ditch" by fishermen, who find the waterway an excellent source of fish, especially largemouth and white bass.

Principal game species include: white tailed deer, dove, quail squirrel, rabbit, turkey and several species of migratory water fowl..[4] The Corps manages three areas that abut the Chouteau pool: Afton Landing, Tullahassee Loop and Coal Creek.

[7] Afton Landing also has a group picnic shelter..[4] The Jean Pierre Chouteau Trail is no longer maintained.

Since installing the device would require closing the lock to traffic for a minimum of three weeks, scheduling was critical to minimize costs.