Harshman Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harshman Dam, located in Clements, Kansas, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond.


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Summary

Completed in 2012, this buttress dam stands at a height of 29 feet with a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 23 feet. With a length of 1160 feet and a storage capacity of 99 acre-feet, it serves the purpose of providing water for various needs in the area.

The dam's location on Silver Creek-TR in Chase County, Kansas, makes it a crucial asset for water resource management in the region. Its significant hazard potential necessitates regular inspections, with the last one conducted in April 2017. With a drainage area of 0.19 square miles and a surface area of 4.3 acres, the dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and providing storage during times of need. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Harshman Dam become essential for maintaining water security in the face of increasing variability.

As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Harshman Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for fire protection and agricultural purposes. Its construction and design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a commitment to sustainable water management practices. With its storage capacity and operational capabilities, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of adaptive water resource management in the context of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

2012

Dam Length

1160

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

SILVER CREEK-TR

Surface Area

4.3

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

99

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.