Private Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Private Dam, located in Stilwell, Kansas, was completed in 1996 by designer Harold A.


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Summary

Phelps, P.E. This privately owned earth dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 750 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and a surface area of 10.8 acres.

Although not regulated by the state and without a state permit or inspection, Private Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam is situated on Wolf Creek-TR and falls under the jurisdiction of the Tulsla District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is notable for its lack of spillway and outlet gates, representing a unique private water resource in the region.

Despite its lack of state oversight, Private Dam remains a significant feature in the water resource landscape of Johnson County, Kansas. Its construction, ownership, and purpose reflect the intersection of private interests and public water resource management. For enthusiasts of water resources and climate, Private Dam offers a case study in the complexities of dam ownership, regulation, and maintenance.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

WOLF CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.8

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

125

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.