Summary
Built in 1971 by A&E and USDA SCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 86 feet and has a structural height of 94 feet, serving the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the region. With a maximum storage capacity of 13,300 acre-feet and a normal storage of 5,850 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management for the Otis Creek watershed.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Otis Creek Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet to manage potential overflow. The dam's hazard potential is rated as high, with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2018. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are currently unspecified, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and preparedness to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for both flood risk reduction and water supply purposes. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management will find Otis Creek Dam to be a fascinating case study in dam engineering and regulatory oversight within the state of Kansas.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
1595 |
Dam Height |
86 |
River Or Stream |
OTIS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
258.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
86 |
Drainage Area |
14.2 |
Nid Storage |
13300 |
Structural Height |
94 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
94 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Otter C At Climax
|
22cfs |
Verdigris R Nr Virgil
|
183cfs |
Cedar C Nr Cedar Point
|
61cfs |
Cottonwood R Nr Florence
|
215cfs |
Whitewater R At Towanda
|
64cfs |
Cottonwood R Nr Plymouth
|
898cfs |
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.
Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7)