North Star Subdivision Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mallon Lake Paul Debauge Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
North Star Subdivision Dam, located in Lyon County, Kansas, is a private-owned structure regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
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Summary
Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 24.5 feet and serves various purposes, with a storage capacity of 128.9 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.28 square miles. The dam's condition is assessed as fair, with a significant hazard potential, and it underwent its last inspection in May 2019, with a scheduled frequency of every 5 years.
Situated on the Neosho River, the North Star Subdivision Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 62.8 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 2424 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam continues to operate effectively, with no associated locks or spillways. The surrounding area of Emporia, Kansas, benefits from the dam's presence, providing protection against flood events and ensuring a stable water supply for the local community.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, the North Star Subdivision Dam remains a key infrastructure for water management in Lyon County. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the dam serves as a vital asset for mitigating flood risks and maintaining a reliable water supply for both agricultural and residential needs in the region. Ongoing inspections and assessments are essential to ensure the dam's continued effectiveness and safety in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
1054 |
Dam Height |
24.5 |
River Or Stream |
NEOSHO RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
0.28 |
Nid Storage |
128.9 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Neosho R Nr Americus
|
75cfs |
Cottonwood R Nr Plymouth
|
898cfs |
Marais Des Cygnes R Nr Reading
|
10cfs |
Neosho R At Council Grove
|
4cfs |
Dragoon C Nr Burlingame
|
7cfs |
Marais Des Cygnes R At Melvern
|
20cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
North Star Subdivision Dam