Spencer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Spencer Dam, located in Westphalia, Kansas, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.


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Summary

Built in 1993 by designer B.F. Spencer, the dam stands at a height of 24.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 243.6 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam serves as an important resource for irrigation and water management in the area.

The dam spans 1200 feet in length and has a surface area of 18 acres, with a drainage area of 0.2 square miles. The structure is regulated and inspected by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ensuring its safety and compliance with state guidelines. With a maximum discharge capacity of 600 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in Thomas Creek-TR, a vital river/stream in the region.

Although the dam's condition assessment is currently rated as "Not Rated" and its emergency action plan status is unclear, Spencer Dam remains a key infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in Anderson County, Kansas. Its strategic location and design make it a valuable asset for fire protection, agriculture, and environmental conservation in the region.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

24.5

River Or Stream

THOMAS CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

243.6

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.