Kanopolis Dam, also known as Kanopolis Lake, is a federal-owned structure located on the Smoky Hill River in Ellsworth, Kansas. Completed in 1948 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with a secondary purpose of recreation. With a hydraulic height of 131 feet and a dam length of 15,360 feet, Kanopolis Dam has a storage capacity of 61382 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 171,000 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam has a moderate risk assessment (level 3). The US Army Corps of Engineers actively manages dam-related flood risks by monitoring the dam's condition, prioritizing risk-reducing activities, and collaborating with emergency managers and the public to raise awareness and readiness for potential emergencies. The agency regularly updates the emergency action plan for the dam and performs maintenance to ensure its proper functioning.

While dams like Kanopolis play a crucial role in flood risk reduction, they do not eliminate all risks associated with flooding. Severe weather events can lead to dam releases or overwhelm the structure, necessitating careful management to maintain structural integrity. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ongoing monitoring and risk management efforts will be essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of dams like Kanopolis in the face of changing hydrological conditions.