Lake Quivira Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Quivira Dam, located in Kansas City, Kansas, stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience.


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Summary

Built in 1935, this rockfill dam on Tooley Creek serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 207 acres and a normal storage capacity of 766 acre-feet. With a height of 34.3 feet and a hydraulic height of 36.4 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing flood protection in the area.

Managed by a private owner, Lake Quivira Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement through the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition and undergoes regular inspections every three years. The surrounding community benefits from the dam's presence, but also faces the potential risks associated with its operation, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management and emergency preparedness measures.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, Lake Quivira Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for sustainable water management practices and infrastructure maintenance. With a history dating back over 85 years, this dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also plays a vital role in protecting the local environment and communities from potential flooding events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and supporting the upkeep of structures like Lake Quivira Dam is essential for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our water systems in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

1600

Dam Height

34.3

River Or Stream

TOOLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

207

Hydraulic Height

36.4

Drainage Area

4.5

Nid Storage

1977

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
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.