Stockwater Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Climax, Kansas, the Stockwater dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

Constructed in 1996 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and spans 470 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 58.33 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the South Branch Otter Creek and has a surface area of 3.91 acres, serving as a valuable water resource for the surrounding area.

Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, Stockwater dam is considered to have a low hazard potential and is currently in "not rated" condition. With no recent inspections reported since its completion, the dam remains an essential component for water management in Greenwood County, Kansas. The presence of Stockwater highlights the importance of small-scale dams in providing water for livestock, firefighting, and recreational activities, while also contributing to the overall resilience of local ecosystems in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

SOUTH BRANCH OTTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.91

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

58.33

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.