Dd No 4-15 (Atwater) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dd No 4-15 (Atwater) is a crucial earth dam located in Muscotah, Kansas, designed by Speaker & King in 1990 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Muddy Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 27 feet and a length of 620 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 115.1 acre-feet, serving as a key infrastructure for mitigating flood hazards in the region. The dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it an essential asset for water resource management in Jackson County.

Managed by the local government, Dd No 4-15 (Atwater) has not been rated for its condition assessment but is deemed to meet the necessary guidelines for emergency action planning. Despite the lack of inspection frequency and detailed risk management measures, the dam plays a critical role in safeguarding the surrounding areas from potential inundation. With a controlled spillway width of 76 feet and a surface area of 6.7 acres, the dam's strategic location and design contribute significantly to the overall flood risk reduction efforts in the region.

As part of the Kansas City District, the dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency with no federal involvement in its ownership or funding. Although it has not been modified in recent years, Dd No 4-15 (Atwater) continues to fulfill its primary function effectively, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development for climate and water resource enthusiasts in safeguarding communities against the adverse impacts of flooding.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

620

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

MUDDY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.7

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

115.1

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.