Dam No 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dam No 4, located in La Cygne, Kansas, is a private-owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1985, this buttress-type dam stands at 68 feet high and spans a length of 1420 feet, with a storage capacity of 4159.4 acre-feet. It is situated on Middle Creek, within the Tulsa District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and falls under the regulatory oversight of the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Dam No 4 has a relatively low drainage area of 2.08 square miles, with a surface area of 106.5 acres. The dam's spillway width is 100 feet, although it does not have outlet gates. The last inspection took place in December 2017, with a frequency of every 3 years. While no emergency action plan (EAP) has been reported, the dam is in compliance with state regulatory requirements for inspection, permitting, and enforcement.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dam No 4 presents an interesting case study in private dam ownership and recreational land use. With its significant storage capacity and location in a high-risk area, the dam serves as a vital water resource for the local community while also posing potential safety concerns. Continued monitoring and maintenance will be crucial to ensure the dam's long-term stability and functionality in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

1420

Dam Height

68

River Or Stream

MIDDLE CREEK

Surface Area

106.5

Drainage Area

2.08

Nid Storage

4159.4

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

68
       
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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.