Cawker City Dike (Waconda Lake) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cawker City Dike, also known as Waconda Lake, is a critical federal water resource infrastructure located in Mitchell County, Kansas.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1969 by the Department of the Interior, this buttress dam stands at a height of 48 feet and boasts a storage capacity of 1,129,000 acre-feet. It serves as an essential offstream diversion structure along the Solomon River, helping to manage water flow and mitigate flooding risks in the area.
With a high hazard potential and a condition assessment currently listed as "Not Rated," maintaining the integrity of Cawker City Dike is crucial to safeguarding the surrounding communities and ecosystems. The dam has an associated structure, KS00021S001, and undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite not being regulated by the state and lacking certain emergency preparedness measures, the dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the importance of infrastructure like Cawker City Dike in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security becomes increasingly evident. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, this federal dam remains a key asset in the efforts to sustainably manage water resources in Kansas and protect the local environment from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
14960 |
Dam Height |
48 |
River Or Stream |
SOLOMON RIVER OFFSTREAM |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Nid Storage |
1129000 |
Structural Height |
48 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
48 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Solomon R Nr Glen Elder
|
13cfs |
Nf Solomon R At Portis
|
22cfs |
Sf Solomon R At Osborne
|
7cfs |
Solomon R At Beloit
|
19cfs |
White Rock C Nr Burr Oak
|
5cfs |
Sf Solomon R At Woodston
|
0cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cawker City Dike (Waconda Lake)