Dam No 7-8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dam No 7-8, also known as Upper Verdigris Watershed Dam 7-8, is a significant earth dam located in Virgil, Greenwood County, Kansas.


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Summary

Constructed in 1970 by A&E and USDA SCS designers, this dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction for the Holderman Creek-TR river system. With a height of 51 feet and a length of 1870 feet, Dam No 7-8 has a storage capacity of 3517 acre-feet, serving as a vital water supply source for the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Dam No 7-8 holds a fair condition assessment and a significant hazard potential rating. Despite its age, the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, with a spillway width of 100 feet for uncontrolled water release. The dam's location in a moderate risk area underscores the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness measures to ensure the safety of nearby communities and water resources.

As a key component of water resource management in Kansas, Dam No 7-8 stands as a testament to the collaboration between local and state agencies in safeguarding against floods and ensuring a stable water supply. With its strategic design and operational history, this dam serves as a critical infrastructure for climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals alike, highlighting the intersection of engineering, regulation, and environmental stewardship in mitigating natural hazards and sustaining water security for future generations.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

1870

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

HOLDERMAN CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

114.6

Hydraulic Height

51

Nid Storage

3517

Structural Height

58

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

58
       
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.