Lake Wabaunsee Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Wabaunsee Dam, also known as Eskridge City Dam, is a locally-owned water supply structure located in Hessdale, Kansas.


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Summary

Completed in 1996 by Wilson Engineering Co, this earth dam stands at a height of 66.1 feet and serves as a vital resource for the region, with a normal storage capacity of 3499.7 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is water supply, although it also supports recreational activities for the community.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Lake Wabaunsee Dam is designed to withstand high hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition. The dam spans 1400 feet in length, with a surface area of 228.3 acres and a drainage area of 10.95 square miles. With a maximum discharge capacity of 23400 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for the surrounding areas.

This structure on the East Branch Mill Creek-TR river system is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its continued safety and functionality. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Lake Wabaunsee Dam stands as a resilient asset in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the Wabaunsee County region of Kansas.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

1400

Dam Height

66.1

River Or Stream

EAST BRANCH MILL CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

228.3

Hydraulic Height

60

Drainage Area

10.95

Nid Storage

6285.6

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

66
       
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.