Admire-Allen City Lake (Karen Laue Dam) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Admire-Allen City Lake, also known as Karen Laue Dam, is a hidden gem for water resource and climate enthusiasts located in Lyon County, Kansas.


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Summary

This local government-owned dam, designed by REISS AND GOODNESS, serves as a vital water supply source for the surrounding area. Completed in 1967, this buttress dam stands at a height of 42 feet with a hydraulic height of 32 feet, and has a storage capacity of 1025 acre-feet, providing essential water for both recreational activities and domestic use.

Situated on the Hill Creek Marais Des Cygnes River, Admire-Allen City Lake covers a surface area of 63 acres and has a drainage area of 3.33 square miles. With a spillway width of 120 feet, the dam has a significant hazard potential and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.

Visitors to Admire-Allen City Lake can admire the picturesque surroundings while learning about the dam's history and its importance in water supply management. As a key infrastructure for the community, this dam exemplifies the intersection of environmental conservation, recreational opportunities, and sustainable water resource utilization. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, a visit to Admire-Allen City Lake offers a unique insight into the vital role of dams in maintaining a balance between human needs and ecosystem preservation.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1485

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

HILL CK MARAIS DES CYGNE RIVER

Surface Area

63

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

3.33

Nid Storage

1025

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

42
       
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.