El Dorado Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Allison Dam Frd No 5
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
El Dorado Dam, also known as El Dorado Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located in Butler, Kansas.
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Summary
Completed in 1981, this earth dam stands at a height of 99 feet and has a storage capacity of 246,882 acre-feet, serving primary purposes such as flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply. The dam, situated on the Walnut River, covers a surface area of 8,400 acres and has a maximum discharge capacity of 120,800 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as a high hazard potential dam, El Dorado Dam is well-managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) through various risk management measures. These include regular inspections, emergency exercises with local responders, and a detailed communication plan to ensure the safety of downstream communities in the event of a dam failure. USACE also conducts operations and maintenance activities to uphold the integrity of the structure, with a robust instrumentation and monitoring program in place to monitor changing conditions.
In 2015, a risk assessment conducted by USACE determined the overall risk associated with the dam as low, with potential hazards including water flow through foundation rock and embankment erosion. While the dam poses risks to towns like El Dorado and Augusta in the event of a failure, mitigation efforts and operational protocols are in place to manage these risks effectively. With a focus on safety and community protection, El Dorado Dam stands as a vital piece of infrastructure in the region's water resource and climate management efforts.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
20930 |
Dam Height |
99 |
River Or Stream |
WALNUT RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8400 |
Hydraulic Height |
85 |
Drainage Area |
234 |
Nid Storage |
246882 |
Structural Height |
99 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
99 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Whitewater R At Towanda
|
71cfs |
Cedar C Nr Cedar Point
|
67cfs |
Cottonwood R Nr Florence
|
238cfs |
L Arkansas R At Valley Center
|
82cfs |
Arkansas R At Wichita
|
386cfs |
Arkansas R Nr Maize
|
256cfs |
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.
El Dorado Dam
North Main Park
Gordy Park
Knutson Park