Lower Wiedemann Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Upper Wiedemann Dam Feist Ranch
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lower Wiedemann Dam, located in Greenwood County, Kansas, is a privately owned structure designed for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam, constructed with earth and buttress core types, stands at a height of 56.3 feet and spans a length of 1765 feet. It has a storage capacity of 1053 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 690 acre-feet and a surface area of 45.75 acres. The dam is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Lower Wiedemann Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management for the surrounding area. The dam is situated on Spring Creek and serves as a key infrastructure for water supply and irrigation. With a spillway width of 98 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam is designed to manage excess water flow and prevent flooding in the region. Additionally, the dam's location in Reece, Kansas, makes it a vital asset for local emergency preparedness and response efforts.
While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, there are no documented emergency action plans (EAP) or inundation maps prepared for Lower Wiedemann Dam. Despite this, the structure meets state guidelines and is inspected every five years to assess its condition and address any potential safety concerns. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns in the region, the maintenance and management of dams like Lower Wiedemann will be crucial in ensuring water security and resilience against future climate challenges.
Dam Length |
1765 |
Dam Height |
56.3 |
River Or Stream |
SPRING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
45.75 |
Drainage Area |
1.21 |
Nid Storage |
1053 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
56 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Otter C At Climax
|
22cfs |
Whitewater R At Towanda
|
64cfs |
Elk R At Elk Falls
|
41cfs |
Verdigris R Nr Virgil
|
183cfs |
Cedar C Nr Cedar Point
|
61cfs |
Fall R At Fredonia
|
384cfs |
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.
Lower Wiedemann Dam