Yates Center Reservoir Dam (Multi-Purpose Dam) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Yates Center Reservoir Dam, located in Woodson County, Kansas, is a multi-purpose dam built in 1990 for flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply.


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Summary

Designed by ARCH, GRIFFITH, SHETLAR, this earth dam stands at a height of 46.5 feet and spans 840 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 4777.5 acre-feet. Situated on Big Sandy Creek-TR, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for managing the local watershed and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the local government, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ensuring its safe operation and compliance with state regulations. With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, Yates Center Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community and supporting various recreational activities. Its strategic location, in close proximity to Benedict, adds to its accessibility and importance in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Yates Center Reservoir Dam presents a fascinating example of a well-designed earth dam that serves multiple purposes while mitigating flood risks and providing essential water supply. With its impressive storage capacity, surface area, and drainage area, this dam stands as a testament to effective water management and infrastructure development in Kansas, benefiting both the local ecosystem and the community at large.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

840

Dam Height

46.5

River Or Stream

BIG SANDY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

211.7

Drainage Area

4.44

Nid Storage

4777.5

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

47
       
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.