Dam No 18-26 (Boy Scout Lake) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Dam No 18-26, also known as Boy Scout Lake, is a significant structure in Chautauqua, Kansas, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1965.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 76 feet, with a hydraulic height of 73 feet, and a length of 1900 feet. It serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 16,020 acre-feet and a normal storage of 9,572 acre-feet.

Situated on the North Caney Creek, this dam not only helps in flood risk reduction but also provides recreational opportunities in the area. With a surface area of 473 acres and a drainage area of 26.8 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition and is regularly inspected by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Dam No 18-26 to be an essential infrastructure supporting flood risk reduction and recreation in the region. Its role in water management, along with its construction details and storage capacity, make it a significant structure to study and monitor for those interested in the intersection of water resources and climate change adaptation.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1900

Dam Height

76

River Or Stream

NORTH CANEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

473

Hydraulic Height

73

Drainage Area

26.8

Nid Storage

16020

Structural Height

76

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

76
       
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.
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