Santa Fe Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Santa Fe Lake Dam, located in Moline, Kansas, was completed in 1895 by the Santa Fe Railroad and serves as a recreational spot as well as a water supply source.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam is an earth-type structure with a height of 25 feet and a length of 1200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 224 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and undergoes regular inspections, with a significant hazard potential due to its age and condition assessment being not rated.

Despite its age, Santa Fe Lake Dam continues to play a crucial role in water management for the Wildcat Creek-TR watershed in Elk County, Kansas. The dam's position in a drainage area of 1.23 square miles ensures that it serves as a key control point for water flow and storage, especially during times of heavy rainfall or flooding events. With a spillway width of 57 feet, the dam is equipped to manage excess water and maintain the safety of the surrounding area.

As a significant structure within the Kansas City District, Santa Fe Lake Dam is a testament to historical engineering and a vital resource for the local community. Its role in recreation and water supply highlights the importance of careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1895

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

WILDCAT CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.8

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

1.23

Nid Storage

224

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.