Spears Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Spears Dam, located in Johnson County, Kansas, is a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 18.7 feet and a length of 460 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 57.5 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.8 acres. The dam is situated on Negro Creek-TR, within the Tulsa District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Spears Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ensuring its compliance with state safety standards. The last inspection in April 2018 determined that the dam met regulatory requirements, but it is important to note that a proper emergency action plan (EAP) has not been prepared thus far.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Spears Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam safety management. As a privately owned structure with a recreational purpose, the dam's management and maintenance are crucial to ensuring public safety and environmental protection. With a focus on risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance, Spears Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of effective dam management practices in safeguarding water resources and communities against potential hazards.

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

18.7

River Or Stream

NEGRO CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.8

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

57.5

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.