Kansas Farm Bureau Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Kansas Farm Bureau Dam, located in Riley County, Kansas, was completed in 2009 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a dam height of 26.5 feet and a length of 450 feet, this earth dam has a storage capacity of 36.87 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 18.75 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Big Blue River - TR and is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, the Kansas Farm Bureau Dam has a high hazard potential, prompting a frequent inspection schedule of every 3 years. In case of emergencies, the dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 50 feet to manage maximum discharge of 112 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for this dam is categorized as very high, calling for stringent risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

As a privately owned structure, the Kansas Farm Bureau Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. With its strategic location and multiple functions, the dam serves as a vital asset for fire protection, agricultural activities, and ecological conservation along the Big Blue River. Its design by the USDA SCS and state regulation by the Kansas Department of Agriculture highlight the collaborative efforts of public and private entities in safeguarding water resources and mitigating climate risks in Kansas.

Year Completed

2009

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

26.5

River Or Stream

BIG BLUE RIVER - TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.35

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

36.87

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

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.