Kanopolis Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kanopolis Dam, also known as Kanopolis Lake, is a federal-owned structure located on the Smoky Hill River in Ellsworth, Kansas.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

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.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

15360

River Or Stream

SMOKY HILL RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3815

Hydraulic Height

131

Drainage Area

7860

Nid Storage

433000

Structural Height

131

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

131
       
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.