Dd No 117 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dd No 117 is a flood risk reduction structure located in Miller, Kansas, along Elm Creek-TR.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Kansas Dept. of Agriculture, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches 800 feet in length. Completed in 1989, it serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and has a normal storage capacity of 24 acre-feet with a maximum discharge of 1980 cubic feet per second.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Dd No 117 is an essential infrastructure for managing water resources in Lyon County, Kansas. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, this structure remains crucial for protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 70 feet, helps to manage excess water flow and mitigate flood risks in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering behind Dd No 117, designed by Miles Engineering to serve as a vital flood risk reduction asset in the area. With its strategic location and functional design, this dam plays a key role in safeguarding the community and surrounding lands from the impacts of extreme weather events. As a regulated and inspected structure, Dd No 117 continues to fulfill its purpose of protecting against flooding and managing water flow in the region.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

ELM CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.4

Drainage Area

0.62

Nid Storage

262

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.