South Branch Dam, located in Topeka, Kansas, along the South Branch Shunganunga Creek, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction in the area.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and spans 1750 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 2620 acre-feet. Despite its importance in mitigating flood risks, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a high hazard potential.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, South Branch Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 240 feet, designed to manage excess water flow during heavy rainfall events. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there is a need for improved risk management measures to address the poor condition of the structure and reduce the potential for catastrophic failure in the future.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the South Branch Dam will find a case study in the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and community safety. With its strategic location along the South Branch Shunganunga Creek and its vital role in flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing water resources and maintaining aging infrastructure to adapt to changing climate conditions. As efforts continue to assess and address the dam's condition, stakeholders must work collaboratively to ensure the long-term resilience and safety of this critical water management structure.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
1750 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH BRANCH SHUNGANUNGA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
12.7 |
Nid Storage |
2620 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
33 |
Kansas R At Topeka
|
1770cfs |
Soldier C Nr Topeka
|
4cfs |
Wakarusa R Nr Richland
|
3cfs |
Soldier C Nr Delia
|
3cfs |
Delaware R Bl Perry Dam
|
107cfs |
Kansas R At Lecompton
|
1930cfs |