Ast Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ast Dam, also known as Andale Floodwater Retarding Dam A-2, is a privately owned structure located in Sedgwick, Kansas, near the city of Wichita.


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Summary

Built in 1958 by the USDA SCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and spans 700 feet in length, serving multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond. With a maximum storage capacity of 67.7 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 11.5 acre-feet, Ast Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

The dam is situated on Cowskin Creek and has a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk rating. While it is not regulated by the state and does not have a designated inspection frequency, its condition is currently not rated. Despite its minimal risk, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 840 cubic feet per second. Although it has not been modified in recent years, the dam lacks outlet gates and is not equipped with emergency action plans or inundation maps, highlighting potential areas for improvement in its risk management practices.

Overall, Ast Dam serves as a vital water resource structure in Sedgwick County, offering fire protection and irrigation benefits to the local community. While its current risk level is considered moderate, there are opportunities for enhancing its safety measures and emergency preparedness to ensure the continued protection of surrounding areas in the event of a disaster. As a key component of the region's water infrastructure, Ast Dam plays a significant role in the management of water resources and climate resilience in the area.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

COWSKIN CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.6

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.88

Nid Storage

67.7

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.