Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bluestem Dam, previously known as Daybreak Ridge Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Johnson, Kansas, specifically in the city of Leawood.


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Summary

Built in 1962 with a height of 20.2 feet and a length of 900 feet, this earth dam serves various purposes, with a primary classification of "Other". It has a normal storage capacity of 45.31 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 6074 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Bluestem Dam is regulated and inspected by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's hazard potential is considered high, but its condition assessment is satisfactory. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not had any emergency action plan prepared or updated recently, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks associated with its operation.

Situated on the Tomahawk Creek-TR, Bluestem Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, impacting the surrounding environment and communities. With its unique design and historical significance, this dam stands as a testament to the engineering expertise of Phelps Engineering and the USDA NRCS, serving as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water storage in the region.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

20.2

River Or Stream

TOMAHAWK CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.85

Drainage Area

0.39

Nid Storage

180.93

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.