Mpd No 21 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Mpd No 21, located in Elk County, Kansas, is a vital water supply infrastructure managed by the local government.


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Summary

This earth-type dam on Wildcat Creek was completed in 1983 and stands at a height of 41.6 feet, with a storage capacity of 7265 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of water supply, providing a normal storage capacity of 1500 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 185 acres.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Mpd No 21 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a spillway width of 300 feet and a drainage area of 7.41 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 17640 cubic feet per second. In the event of an emergency, the dam has a designated inspection frequency of 3 years to assess its structural integrity and risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mpd No 21 serves as a critical infrastructure for water supply in the region, highlighting the importance of proper regulation and maintenance to ensure its resilience against potential hazards. With its strategic location on Wildcat Creek and the involvement of various state agencies in its oversight, Mpd No 21 stands as a testament to the collaboration and commitment to safeguarding water resources for the community.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

3400

Dam Height

41.6

River Or Stream

WILDCAT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

185

Drainage Area

7.41

Nid Storage

7265

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

42
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.