Mcfarland Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mcfarland Detention Dam, located in McFarland, Kansas, was completed in 1947 and serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along the Paw Paw Creek.


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Summary

Designed by MCCRACKEN AND PRATT, this earth dam stands at a height of 19.1 feet and spans a length of 800 feet, with a storage capacity of 81.97 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as fair, with the last inspection conducted in 2011.

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Mcfarland Detention Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam's spillway type is labeled as uncontrolled, with a width of 40 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 1753 cubic feet per second. While there are no outlet gates associated with the dam, its location within the Kansas City District ensures that it is well-maintained and regulated by local government authorities to ensure public safety and environmental conservation.

In terms of risk assessment, Mcfarland Detention Dam is categorized as having a moderate level of risk, with a designated inspection frequency of every 3 years. Despite its fair condition assessment, ongoing risk management measures are crucial to ensure the dam's continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and protecting the local community from potential hazards. As a key component of water resource management in Kansas, this dam exemplifies the importance of infrastructure in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change on water resources.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

19.1

River Or Stream

PAW PAW CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.04

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

81.97

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.