Bone Creek Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bone Creek Reservoir, located in Crawford County, Kansas, is a key water supply source designed by Larkin Associates and completed in 1997.


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Summary

With a dam height of 52 feet and a storage capacity of 16,828 acre-feet, this earth dam on Bone Creek serves the primary purpose of water supply for the city of Arcadia. The reservoir covers a surface area of 523 acres and has a drainage area of 12.5 square miles, making it a significant resource for the region.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Bone Creek Reservoir is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its structural integrity and safe operation. The reservoir has a spillway width of 450 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 23,327 cubic feet per second, indicating its ability to handle high water levels effectively. Despite being assessed as in fair condition with a high hazard potential, the reservoir meets regulatory guidelines and is equipped with emergency action plans to mitigate risks and ensure public safety in case of emergencies.

This impressive water resource in Kansas, under the jurisdiction of the Tulsa District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, not only supports water supply needs but also contributes to the management of water resources in the region. Bone Creek Reservoir stands as a testament to effective infrastructure design and management in ensuring reliable water sources for communities while prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance in its operations.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

3150

Dam Height

52

River Or Stream

BONE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

523

Drainage Area

12.5

Nid Storage

16828

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

52
       
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.