Upper Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Upper Dam, also known as Sedan City Dam, is a crucial water supply structure located in Sedan, Kansas on Deer Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Constructed in 1935 by BLACK & VEATCH, this buttress dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a storage capacity of 1249.5 acre-feet. The dam spans 800 feet in length and covers a surface area of 57 acres, serving as a primary water source for the local community.
Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Upper Dam is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state guidelines. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam continues to play a vital role in water resource management in Chautauqua County. With a history of modifications and a spillway width of 160 feet, Upper Dam remains a key feature in the region's water infrastructure.
While lacking in certain risk management measures and emergency preparedness protocols, Upper Dam remains a critical component of the local water supply system. As climate change impacts water resources, the importance of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure like Upper Dam becomes increasingly evident for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
DEER CREEK |
Surface Area |
57 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
4.17 |
Nid Storage |
1249.5 |
Structural Height |
44 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
44 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Caney R Nr Elgin
|
41cfs |
Elk R At Elk Falls
|
37cfs |
Verdigris R At Independence
|
789cfs |
Fall R At Fredonia
|
381cfs |
Caney River Above Coon Creek At Bartlesville
|
63cfs |
Verdigris R At Coffeyville
|
927cfs |
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.
Upper Dam