Private Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gs Dd No. E-14 Dd No E-28 (Big-6)
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Private Dam, located in Valley Falls, Kansas, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1999 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 23.3 feet with a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 25 feet. With a storage capacity of 90.64 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 6.75 acres and drains an area of 0.6 square miles.
Although not state-regulated, Private Dam is categorized as having a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. With a maximum discharge capacity of 335 cubic feet per second, the dam features no outlet gates and has a spillway width of 77 feet. Despite lacking certain emergency preparedness measures like an Emergency Action Plan and inundation maps, Private Dam stands as a vital water resource structure in the region, providing essential services for the local community.
Private Dam, part of the Walnut Creek-TR river system, exemplifies the collaboration between private ownership and government agencies in managing water resources. While not under the jurisdiction of state regulatory bodies, the dam's construction and maintenance have been overseen by the USDA NRCS. Its location in Jefferson County, Kansas, showcases the importance of private dams in supporting local water needs, as well as the need for continued monitoring and assessment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these structures in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1999 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
23.3 |
River Or Stream |
WALNUT CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.75 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
90.64 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Stranger C Nr Potter
|
199cfs |
Delaware R Nr Muscotah
|
52cfs |
Delaware R Bl Perry Dam
|
107cfs |
Kansas R At Lecompton
|
1930cfs |
Stranger C Nr Tonganoxie
|
18cfs |
Kansas R At Topeka
|
1770cfs |
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.
Private Dam