Pony Creek Lake Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Pony Creek Lake, located in Brown County, Kansas, is a key water resource managed by the local government for water supply and flood risk reduction purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1993, this earth dam structure stands at a height of 66.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 6,023 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 171 acres and serves a drainage area of 6.51 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 13,692 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Pony Creek Lake is regulated and inspected for safety and compliance with state standards. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed as satisfactory and meets emergency action plan guidelines. With a spillway width of 300 feet and no outlet gates, the structure is designed to handle potential flood events effectively. The dam's location along Pony Creek and its strategic design contribute to its importance in maintaining water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.
As a significant water supply source for the area, Pony Creek Lake plays a vital role in sustaining local communities and ecosystems. Its satisfactory condition, regular inspections, and emergency preparedness highlight its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With a focus on safety and efficient water management, Pony Creek Lake stands as a key infrastructure contributing to sustainable water resource utilization and flood risk reduction in the region.
Year Completed |
1993 |
Dam Length |
2200 |
Dam Height |
66.5 |
River Or Stream |
PONY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
171 |
Drainage Area |
6.51 |
Nid Storage |
6023 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
67 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Nemaha River At Falls City
|
310cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Turkey C Nr Seneca
|
15cfs |
Missouri River At Rulo
|
28600cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
Delaware R Nr Muscotah
|
37cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Pony Creek Lake