Multipurpose Site No 53 Reservoir Report
Nearby: 162 Bandy Reservoir
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Alma, Kansas, Multipurpose Site No 53 serves as a crucial flood risk reduction and water supply infrastructure managed by the local government.
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Summary
Designed by Dale Steward, P.E., this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 63 feet and spans a length of 2500 feet, with a storage capacity of 2200 acre-feet. Situated along Mill Creek-TR, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events, with a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment.
Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, this multipurpose site has state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight, ensuring its compliance with safety and operational standards. With a drainage area of 3.64 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 986.1 acre-feet, this dam contributes to flood mitigation efforts while also providing essential water supply services to the local community. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam is regularly inspected and has emergency preparedness measures in place to address any potential risks.
Multipurpose Site No 53 offers a strategic solution to flood risk reduction and water supply needs in Wabaunsee County, Kansas. With its uncontrolled spillway and significant storage capacity, this essential infrastructure plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Managed by the local government and meeting state regulatory standards, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Dam Length |
2500 |
Dam Height |
63 |
River Or Stream |
MILL CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
54.8 |
Drainage Area |
3.64 |
Nid Storage |
2200 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
63 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mill C Nr Paxico
|
44cfs |
Kansas R At Wamego
|
1600cfs |
Kansas R Nr Belvue
|
1440cfs |
Kings C Nr Manhattan
|
0cfs |
Rock C Nr Louisville
|
16cfs |
Big Blue R Nr Manhattan
|
396cfs |
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.
Multipurpose Site No 53