Lexington Lake Park (Rieke Lake Dam) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lexington Lake Park (Rieke Lake Dam) in De Soto, Kansas, is a private earth dam managed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Located along the Kansas River, the dam stands at a height of 53 feet, with a hydraulic height of 51 feet and a length of 850 feet. The reservoir behind the dam has a normal storage capacity of 364.5 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 504.6 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 26.7 acres.

The dam is state-regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its safety and integrity. With a hazard potential rated as high but a moderate risk assessment, the dam provides both recreational opportunities and essential water resource management for the area. Although the dam is not under the jurisdiction of the USACE, its design and construction by the NRCS reflect a commitment to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Visitors to Lexington Lake Park can enjoy fishing, boating, and other recreational activities while appreciating the role of the dam in providing water storage and flood control along the Kansas River. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and lack of outlet gates indicate a design focused on natural flow management, enhancing the ecological value of the reservoir and surrounding wildlife habitat. With its picturesque setting and important water resource functions, Lexington Lake Park is a must-visit destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to explore the intersection of nature and infrastructure in Johnson County, Kansas.

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

53

River Or Stream

KANSAS RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26.7

Hydraulic Height

51

Drainage Area

0.35

Nid Storage

504.6

Structural Height

53

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

53
       
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.