Valley Falls Water Supply Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Valley Falls Water Supply Dam, located in Valley Falls, Kansas, serves as a vital resource for the local community as a water supply structure.


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Summary

Built in 1954, this buttress dam stands at a height of 32 feet with a structural height of 36 feet, and a length of 560 feet. It has a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet and is situated on Walnut Creek-TR, within the jurisdiction of the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Despite its age, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition. The last inspection was conducted in November 1992, indicating a need for updated assessment and risk management measures. With a maximum discharge capacity of 450 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 25 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water supply and managing flood control in the region. The dam's location in Jefferson County, Kansas adds to its significance in the local water resource infrastructure.

Overall, Valley Falls Water Supply Dam stands as a key asset for the community, providing essential water supply functions while warranting continued evaluation and maintenance to ensure its long-term reliability and safety. With the involvement of the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Rock Island District, efforts are directed towards preserving the dam's integrity and enhancing its operational capabilities for the benefit of Valley Falls and its surrounding areas.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

WALNUT CREEK-TR

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

0.22

Nid Storage

108

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
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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.