Gs Dd No D-15 (Johnson) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Located in Valley Falls, Kansas, Gs Dd No D-15 (Johnson) is a local government-owned earth dam designed by SPEAKER & KING for flood risk reduction along the South Cedar Creek-TR.


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Summary

Completed in 1982, this dam stands at a height of 37 feet and spans 741 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 474 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, Gs Dd No D-15 has a spillway width of 156 feet to manage excess water flow. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15 acres, serving as a crucial infrastructure for flood control in Jackson County, Kansas. Its location in a populated area underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring this structure to protect downstream communities and the surrounding environment from potential flood events.

With a history of successful flood risk reduction and a state-regulated status, Gs Dd No D-15 plays a key role in water resource management in the region. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme precipitation events, the importance of well-maintained dams like Gs Dd No D-15 for flood control and water resource management cannot be overstated. The collaborative efforts of local and state agencies in regulating, inspecting, and enforcing safety standards for this dam highlight the ongoing commitment to safeguarding communities and natural habitats in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

741

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

SOUTH CEDAR CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

1.37

Nid Storage

474

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
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.