William Day Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
William Day Detention Dam, located in Tescott, Kansas, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1978.
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Summary
This earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, livestock management, and small fish pond maintenance. With a height of 22 feet and a length of 420 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7 acres. It sits on Owl Creek-TR and is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ensuring proper inspection, permitting, and enforcement measures are in place.
The dam's primary purpose is to provide fire protection and stock management for the local area, with a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment. The last inspection in April 2020 revealed that the dam meets regulatory guidelines, but there is room for improvement in risk assessment and emergency preparedness. The structure is under state jurisdiction and is subject to regular inspections to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
In case of emergencies or changes in risk assessment, the dam has a designated emergency action plan (EAP) and updated contact information. With no associated structures and a relatively small drainage area of 0.55 square miles, the William Day Detention Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in Lincoln County, Kansas, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring for climate resilience and sustainable water management practices.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
OWL CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.55 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Saline R At Tescott
|
47cfs |
Smoky Hill R At Ellsworth
|
26cfs |
Salt C Nr Ada
|
88cfs |
Mulberry C Nr Salina
|
16cfs |
Smoky Hill R Nr Langley
|
68cfs |
Solomon R Nr Minneapolis
|
49cfs |
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.
William Day Detention Dam