Fairman Site Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Fairman Site, located in Manhattan, Kansas, along Wild Cat Creek, is a recreational area managed by the local government.


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Summary

The dam at this site, completed in 1935, stands at 30 feet high and has a hydraulic height of 29 feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, with a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet and a spillway width of 35 feet.

The Fairman Site dam is a buttress type structure with a length of 425 feet. It has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The Kansas Department of Agriculture is responsible for regulating and inspecting the dam to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The site is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities along the scenic Wild Cat Creek.

Overall, the Fairman Site is a well-maintained recreational area with a historic dam structure that provides both leisure and environmental benefits to visitors. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential to have proper management and oversight of such sites to ensure their safety and sustainability for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

WILD CAT CREEK-TR

Hydraulic Height

29

Nid Storage

75

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.