Multiple Purpose Dam #6 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Herington Frd No 7
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Multiple Purpose Dam #6, located in Lyona, Dickinson County, Kansas, serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1982 by A&E and USDA - SCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 51.5 feet and stretches 2800 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 16,074 acre-feet and a drainage area of 24.77 square miles. The dam's primary source agency is the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ensuring state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to maintain its integrity.
This dam on Lyon Creek, a tributary of the Kansas River, plays a key role in mitigating flood risks in the region while providing opportunities for recreation and water supply for the surrounding communities. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam has not undergone any recent modifications and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated inundation maps. However, with regular inspections and a hazard potential classification of high, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and functionality of Multiple Purpose Dam #6.
As an essential piece of infrastructure in the area, Multiple Purpose Dam #6 stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience. With its multiple purposes and state-regulated oversight, the dam continues to serve the community while highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness in the face of changing climate conditions and growing water resource challenges.
Year Completed |
1982 |
Dam Length |
2800 |
Dam Height |
51.5 |
River Or Stream |
LYON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
546 |
Drainage Area |
24.77 |
Nid Storage |
16074 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
52 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smoky Hill R At Enterprise
|
448cfs |
N Cottonwood R Bl Marion Lk
|
1cfs |
Lyon C Nr Junction City
|
19cfs |
Gypsum C Nr Gypsum
|
15cfs |
Chapman C Nr Chapman
|
16cfs |
Neosho R At Council Grove
|
4cfs |
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.
Multiple Purpose Dam #6