King Solomon Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

King Solomon Dam, located in Kansas along the Smoky Hill River, was completed in 1967 for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Owned privately and designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 21 feet high with a hydraulic height of 19 feet and a length of 1250 feet. With a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and a normal storage of 26.9 acre-feet, the dam also features a spillway width of 134 feet.

Despite being non-federally regulated, King Solomon Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. The dam has not been inspected since June 1996, with emergency preparedness measures like an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and risk assessments still pending. With its unique buttress core type and location in Dickinson County, Kansas, this dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management, offering recreational opportunities while ensuring the safety of nearby communities.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of King Solomon Dam as a key recreational structure in Kansas, providing essential storage capacity along the Smoky Hill River. As discussions around dam safety and emergency preparedness continue, the unique design and historical completion of this earth dam add to its appeal for those interested in sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1250

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

SMOKY HILL RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

110

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.