Hattemer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hattemer Dam, located in Oskaloosa, Kansas, is a private structure designed by Kramer and Company in collaboration with the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 18 feet and a hydraulic height of 19 feet, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. The dam has a storage capacity of 54.4 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 15.5 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.6 acres.

Situated on the Burr Oak Branch river, Hattemer Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in October 1995. Despite not being state regulated or inspected, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 788 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 52 feet, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for the surrounding community in ensuring water security and emergency preparedness.

Although the dam may not be under state jurisdiction, its strategic location and purpose highlight its importance in fire protection, livestock management, and ecological conservation. With its historical significance and functional design, Hattemer Dam stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Dam Length

465

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

BURR OAK BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.6

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

54.4

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.