Dd No 117 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dd No 117, also known as Sand Creek Watershed Dam No 117, is a local government-owned structure located in Newton, Kansas.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Constructed in 1976 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Sand Creek-TR river or stream. With a dam height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 18 feet, Dd No 117 has a storage capacity of 162.08 acre-feet and a normal storage of 6.5 acre-feet.

Despite being classified with a low hazard potential, Dd No 117 poses a moderate risk due to its condition being unrated. The dam spans 1380 feet in length and covers a surface area of 2.79 acres, serving a drainage area of 0.38 square miles. With a maximum discharge capacity of 432 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway width of 80 feet, Dd No 117 remains a vital structure in mitigating flood risks in the Harvey County region. While it has not been inspected recently, this dam continues to play a crucial role in the local water resource management system.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of structures like Dd No 117 in safeguarding communities against flooding events. With its strategic location and design, this dam symbolizes the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and federal entities in enhancing flood risk reduction measures. Moving forward, continuous monitoring and evaluation of Dd No 117's condition and risk factors will be pivotal in ensuring its long-term effectiveness in protecting the surrounding areas from potential water-related hazards.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

1380

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

SAND CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.79

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.38

Nid Storage

162.08

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.