Osawatomie Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Osawatomie Lake Dam, also known as Osawatomie City Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Miami County, Kansas.


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Summary

Completed in 1938, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including recreation and irrigation. With a height of 33 feet and a hydraulic height of 30 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 340 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.94 square miles.

Situated on the Marais des Cygnes River, Osawatomie Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition. The dam is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. Despite being a local government-owned structure, there is no federal involvement in the funding, design, construction, or operation of the dam.

Osawatomie Lake Dam provides a serene recreational space for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the Osawatomie area. With its picturesque surroundings and historical significance, the dam offers a peaceful escape for visitors looking to enjoy the beauty of nature and engage in outdoor activities. While the dam's risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures are not fully detailed, its importance in the local community is evident through its role in providing water resources for both recreation and irrigation purposes.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

MARAIS DES CYGNES RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

0.94

Nid Storage

340

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

33
       
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.