Pottawatomie State Lake No 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dd No 37 Dd No 13 (Matzke)
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Pottawatomie State Lake No 1, located in Pottawatomie, Kansas, is a picturesque Earth dam built in 1932 by the State Highway Commission.
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Summary
This dam, standing at a height of 43 feet and boasting a maximum storage capacity of 355 acre-feet, serves the primary purpose of recreation, providing a tranquil setting for fishing and wildlife observation in addition to water-based activities. The dam spans a length of 1400 feet and is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance.
The dam's location on Rock Creek-TR offers a serene backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a retreat in nature. With a drainage area of 1.25 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 3500 cubic feet per second, Pottawatomie State Lake No 1 is a vital water resource in the region. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is deemed to be in fair condition, according to the latest inspection in May 2020. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unspecified, indicating a potential area for improvement in ensuring the safety of the surrounding community.
Overall, Pottawatomie State Lake No 1 stands as a vital water infrastructure for both recreational and environmental purposes in Pottawatomie County, Kansas. With its unique design and historical significance, this dam continues to be a beacon for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to explore and appreciate the intersection of human ingenuity and natural beauty in the heart of the Midwest.
Year Completed |
1932 |
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
ROCK CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Drainage Area |
1.25 |
Nid Storage |
355 |
Structural Height |
51 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
51 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Vermillion C Nr Wamego
|
11cfs |
Rock C Nr Louisville
|
16cfs |
Black Vermillion R Nr Frankfort
|
37cfs |
Big Blue R Nr Manhattan
|
396cfs |
Kansas R At Wamego
|
1600cfs |
Fancy C At Winkler
|
8cfs |
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.
Pottawatomie State Lake No 1