Council Grove City Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Council Grove City Lake Dam, located in Morris County, Kansas, serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along Canning Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1942, this earth dam stands at a height of 75 feet, with a hydraulic height of 65 feet, and a length of 2700 feet. It has a storage capacity of 14,613 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 387 acres. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition and is inspected every three years to ensure its safety.

In addition to flood risk reduction, Council Grove City Lake Dam also serves as a recreational area and a water supply source for the local community. The dam is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The dam's spillway, with a width of 290 feet, is uncontrolled, and it does not have any outlet gates or associated locks. The risk assessment for the dam is rated as moderate, indicating that proactive risk management measures are in place to mitigate potential hazards.

With its strategic location and multifunctional purposes, Council Grove City Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the region. Owned by the local government, this dam stands as a testament to engineering excellence and serves as a key infrastructure for protecting the surrounding area from flooding events. As climate change continues to pose threats to water resources, the importance of well-maintained dams like Council Grove City Lake Dam cannot be understated in ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in the face of environmental uncertainties.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

2700

Dam Height

75

River Or Stream

CANNING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

387

Hydraulic Height

65

Drainage Area

7.97

Nid Storage

14613

Structural Height

75

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

75
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.