Site 51 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Site 51, located in Volland, Kansas, is a local government-owned structure designed by King Engineering for flood risk reduction along the Mill Creek-TR river or stream.


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Summary

Completed in 2003, this earth dam stands at a height of 37.6 feet and stretches 550 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 189 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Site 51 is debris control and flood risk reduction, serving as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in Wabaunsee County, Kansas.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Site 51 is regulated and inspected by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ensuring its structural integrity and operational safety. Despite not having outlet gates, this earth dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet to manage excess water flow during heavy rainfall events. With a surface area of 3.93 acres and a drainage area of 0.73 square miles, Site 51 plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding and water-related disasters.

As an essential component of the flood control system in the area, Site 51 has been a key asset in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events and safeguarding the local residents and infrastructure from water-related risks. With its strategic location and design features, this dam exemplifies the importance of effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of communities in Kansas.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

37.6

River Or Stream

MILL CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.93

Drainage Area

0.73

Nid Storage

189

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
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.