Pilot Recharge Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pilot Recharge Dam, located in Scott, Kansas, is a private-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of recharging groundwater in the area.


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Summary

This buttress-type dam has a height of 36 feet and a length of 950 feet, providing a storage capacity of 478.6 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 4.9 acres. The dam is situated on Ladder Creek-TR, serving as a critical water resource for the region.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the Pilot Recharge Dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and effectiveness in water management. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge and flood control in the region. Despite its modest size, the dam's strategic location and design make it a valuable asset in the conservation and management of water resources in Kansas.

As part of the Natural Resources Conservation Service's efforts, the Pilot Recharge Dam contributes to sustainable water management practices and environmental conservation in the region. With a focus on groundwater recharge and storage, the dam helps to mitigate the impacts of drought and improve water availability for agricultural and ecological purposes. Its presence highlights the importance of innovative solutions in addressing water scarcity and climate change challenges, making it a notable feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Dam Length

950

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

LADDER CREEK-TR

Surface Area

4.9

Drainage Area

12.5

Nid Storage

478.6

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
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.