Lewis-Young Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lewis-Young Park Dam in Paola, Kansas, is a local government-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 400 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 38 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 2.35 acres. Situated on North Wea Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in enhancing the surrounding environment and offering opportunities for outdoor activities.

Despite its low hazard potential, Lewis-Young Park Dam has not been rated for its condition, with no recent inspection data available. The dam features a spillway width of 20 feet and is categorized as an earth dam with a buttress core type. While the dam currently does not have outlet gates, it serves as a vital resource for the local community in Miami County, Kansas. With its scenic location and recreational value, Lewis-Young Park Dam underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climatic conditions and increasing demands on freshwater supplies.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the significance of structures like Lewis-Young Park Dam in balancing the needs of human populations with ecosystem health. By understanding the role of dams in providing water storage, flood control, and recreational opportunities, we can appreciate the efforts of organizations like the Natural Resources Conservation Service in safeguarding and managing these vital assets. As we strive to address the challenges of climate change and water scarcity, the preservation and maintenance of dams like Lewis-Young Park Dam will be crucial in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our water resources for future generations.

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

NORTH WEA CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.35

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

38

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.
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