Summary
Built in 1967 by the USDA SCS, this earth dam stands at 28.8 feet high and serves a primary purpose classified as "Other." With a storage capacity of 960 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 25.3 feet, the dam covers a surface area of 8.1 acres and has a drainage area of 1.23 square miles.
Operated and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the US Highway 81 Roadfill Dam has a high hazard potential and is classified in fair condition based on the most recent inspection conducted in May 2020. The dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, and there are no associated locks. Despite its age, the dam continues to effectively manage water flow and protect downstream areas from potential flooding events. With its strategic location and design, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Given its importance in the local water infrastructure system, the US Highway 81 Roadfill Dam is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures, however, remain unspecified in the available data. As climate change impacts intensify and water resource management becomes increasingly critical, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of structures like the US Highway 81 Roadfill Dam will be essential to safeguarding communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
2600 |
Dam Height |
28.8 |
River Or Stream |
SALINE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
1.23 |
Nid Storage |
960 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mulberry C Nr Salina
|
17cfs |
Solomon R At Niles
|
227cfs |
Solomon R Nr Minneapolis
|
42cfs |
Saline R At Tescott
|
54cfs |
Smoky Hill R Nr Mentor
|
106cfs |
Salt C Nr Ada
|
100cfs |
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.
Us Highway 81 Roadfill Dam