Bear Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bear Lake, also known as Little Kaw Creek Detention Dam, is a private water resource in Kansas, specifically located in Leavenworth County.


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Summary

Managed by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Kaw Creek-TR river or stream. With a normal storage capacity of 610.7 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 4620 cubic feet per second, Bear Lake plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region.

This dam, with a structural height of 48 feet and a length of 900 feet, has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in fair condition. Despite being privately owned, it is subject to state regulation and inspection by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The last inspection date was in December 2017, with a frequency of every 3 years. While the dam does not have outlet gates or associated structures, it serves as a vital asset for flood control and water management in the area, contributing to the overall resilience of the local water resources and climate.

Bear Lake's strategic location in Mahon, Kansas, and its significant storage capacity of 1738.1 acre-feet make it a key infrastructure for mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security in the region. With its hydraulic height of 39 feet and surface area of 63.1 acres, the dam plays a critical role in regulating water levels and protecting downstream communities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Bear Lake stands as a vital asset for maintaining the balance between water supply, flood control, and environmental sustainability in Leavenworth County.

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

KAW CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

63.1

Hydraulic Height

39

Drainage Area

4.36

Nid Storage

1738.1

Structural Height

48

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

48
       
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.