East Elkhorn Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

East Elkhorn Creek Dam, located in Shady Bend, Kansas, is a vital water resource structure managed by the state's Department of Agriculture.


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Summary

Built in 1954 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet with a length of 770 feet, providing a storage capacity of 267 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is categorized as 'Other', serving as a crucial barrier on the East Elkhorn Creek-TR, with a spillway width of 10 feet and uncontrolled spillway type.

Despite being rated as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair, with a moderate risk level. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in April 2020, emphasizing the importance of maintenance and monitoring. The dam does not have outlet gates and is primarily managed by state regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance with permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols to safeguard against potential risks and ensure public safety. East Elkhorn Creek Dam serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management in Ellsworth County, Kansas, highlighting the critical role it plays in the region's climate resilience and protection against flooding events.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

770

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

EAST ELKHORN CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.91

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

0.71

Nid Storage

267

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

32
       
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.