Santa Fe Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Santa Fe Lake Dam in Augusta, Kansas, is a local government-owned structure that serves multiple purposes, including recreation and water supply.


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Summary

Built in 1927, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and spans 1100 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 8650 acre-feet and is located on Dry Creek in Butler County.

Despite its age, Santa Fe Lake Dam has a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition. The dam is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, with regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety. The dam has a spillway width of 500 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 24,150 cubic feet per second.

With its rich history and significant impact on the local environment, Santa Fe Lake Dam remains an important landmark in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering marvel of this structure, as well as the efforts taken to maintain its safety and functionality for the community.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

37.19

Nid Storage

8650

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
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.