Cheney Re Nr Cheney Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cheney Reservoir is located in Cheney, KS, and was completed in 1964.


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Summary

It is one of the largest bodies of water in Kansas with a capacity of over 9 billion gallons. The reservoir serves as a primary source of drinking water for the city of Wichita and also provides irrigation and recreational opportunities for surrounding communities. The hydrology of the reservoir is primarily fed by the Ninnescah River and other small streams, with surface flow and snowpack providers playing a small role. Agriculture is a major industry in the area, and the reservoir provides a source of irrigation for crops. Recreational activities include fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. The reservoir has been a popular destination for anglers, with healthy populations of walleye, crappie, and catfish. The area is also home to several campgrounds and parks, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Reservoir Details

Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Ngvd 1929, Ft 24hr Change 0.0%
Percent of Normal 100%
Minimum 1,412.76 ft
2024-10-30
Maximum 1,430.24 ft
2019-05-23
Average 1,420 ft
Dam_Height 126
Hydraulic_Height 125
Drainage_Area 664
Year_Completed 1963
Nid_Storage 752976
Structural_Height 126
River_Or_Stream NORTH FORK NINNESCAH
Foundations Rock
Surface_Area 28000
Hazard_Potential High
Dam_Length 24458
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 126
       
Seasonal Comparison
Wind Speed, Mph Levels
Wind Direction, Degrees Clockwise From North Levels
Reservoir Storage, Acre-Ft Levels
Dissolved Oxygen, Water, Unfiltered, % Saturation Levels
Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (Cdom), Water, In Situ, Single Band Excitation, Fluorescence Emission, Ppb Qse Levels
Chlorophylls, Water, In Situ, Fluorometric Method, Excitation At 470 ±15 Nm, Emission At 685 ±20 Nm, Relative Fluorescence Units (Rfu) Levels
Phycocyanins (Cyanobacteria), Water, In Situ, Fluorometric Method, Excitation At 590 ±15 Nm, Emission At 685 ±20 Nm, Relative Fluorescence Units (Rfu) Levels
Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (Cdom), Water, In Situ, Fluorometric Method, Relative Fluorescence Units (Rfu) Levels
Chlorophylls, Water, Fluorometric, 650-700 Nm, In Situ Sensor, Micrograms Per Liter Levels
Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Ngvd 1929, Ft Levels
Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae), Ysi In Vivo Fluorescence Of Phycocyanin, Excitation At 595, Emission At 650 Nm, Cells Per Milliliter Levels
Nitrate Plus Nitrite, Water, In Situ, Mg/L As N Levels
Photosynthetically Active Radiation (Average Flux Density On A Horizontal Surface During Measurement Interval), µMol Of Photons/M²/S Levels

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.