303 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

303, also known as Ksnoname 2662, is a local government-owned dam located in Petrolia, Kansas.


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Summary

Built in 1972 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 15.5 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Plum Creek-TR river. With a maximum storage capacity of 199 acre-feet and a normal storage of 36 acre-feet, 303 plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 303 is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Although it has not been assessed for its emergency action plan preparedness or risk management measures, 303 remains a key asset in the local water resource infrastructure. With a drainage area of 0.71 square miles and a surface area of 12.4 acres, the dam has a spillway width of 9393 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 873 cubic feet per second.

303 stands as a vital structure in flood risk management for the Woodson County community, providing essential protection against potential inundation events. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the significance of dams like 303 in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from flooding cannot be overstated. Through ongoing inspection, regulation, and maintenance, 303 remains a cornerstone in water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

1600

Dam Height

15.5

River Or Stream

PLUM CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.4

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

0.71

Nid Storage

199

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.