Lake Scott Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Scott Dam, also known as Scott County State Park Dam, stands as a testament to engineering excellence in the heart of Kansas.


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Summary

Built in 1926 by Wilson Engineering Co, this buttress dam on Ladder Creek boasts a structural height of 33 feet and a hydraulic height of 25 feet, with a length of 1100 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 1630 acre-feet and a normal storage of 930 acre-feet, the dam serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.

Located in Elkader, Scott County, Kansas, the dam is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated. With state-regulated inspection, permitting, and enforcement in place, Lake Scott Dam continues to play a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find this dam a fascinating subject of study and appreciation for its historical significance and functional importance in the local ecosystem.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

LADDER CREEK

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

1630

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

33
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.