Estes Dam No 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Estes Dam No 2, also known as Shirley Dam No.


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Summary

2, is a privately owned structure located in Grantville, Kansas, along the Muddy Creek. Designed by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches for 340 feet, serving primarily for flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 44.9 acre-feet, it plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region, especially during times of heavy rainfall or potential flooding events.

Despite its low hazard potential, Estes Dam No 2 is regulated and inspected by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to ensure its structural integrity and overall safety. While it was last inspected in 1990, the dam remains in a not rated condition, with no reported modifications or significant issues. Its emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently unspecified, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of preparedness and response capabilities in the event of an emergency.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management of dams and their impact on local ecosystems and communities may find Estes Dam No 2 to be a fascinating case study. As a key component in flood risk reduction along the Muddy Creek, this privately owned structure highlights the importance of proactive inspection, maintenance, and emergency planning to ensure the safety and functionality of such critical infrastructure in the face of changing weather patterns and environmental conditions.

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

MUDDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

44.9

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.