Elk City Dam - Elk City Levee Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Elk City Dam, also known as Elk City Levee, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located on the Elk River in Independence, Kansas.


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Summary

Constructed in 1966 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this earth dam stands at 107 feet tall and spans 4840 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 850,405 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 46,122 acre-feet, Elk City Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region.

The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway that is 400 feet wide and has a maximum discharge capacity of 120,800 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, Elk City Dam has an Emergency Action Plan in place and meets all guidelines for risk assessment and management. The US Army Corps of Engineers constantly monitors and maintains the dam to ensure its structural integrity and works closely with local authorities to prepare for any potential emergencies.

In the face of unpredictable weather events and the ever-present threat of flooding, Elk City Dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive risk management and collaboration between federal agencies and local stakeholders. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, Elk City Dam remains a crucial line of defense in protecting the surrounding communities from the devastating effects of flooding.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

4840

Dam Height

107

River Or Stream

ELK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4440

Hydraulic Height

102

Drainage Area

634

Nid Storage

850405

Structural Height

107

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

107
       
Seasonal Comparison

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.