Lower West Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lower West Lake Dam, located in Pleasanton, Kansas, is a vital structure managed by the local government with oversight from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
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Summary
Built in 1904, this Earth dam primarily serves for recreation purposes, offering a serene water body for visitors to enjoy. With a height of 14 feet and a storage capacity of 209.5 acre-feet, the dam spans 1650 feet along Muddy Creek-TR, covering a surface area of 16.3 acres within a drainage area of 2.08 square miles.
Despite its fair condition assessment, Lower West Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, necessitating a thorough inspection frequency of three years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 250 feet, capable of discharging up to 6200 cubic feet per second in case of overflow. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, the dam's emergency action plan status and inundation maps preparedness are unclear, raising concerns about the readiness for potential emergencies.
Overall, Lower West Lake Dam stands as a historic yet essential structure for both recreational and water resource purposes in Linn County, Kansas. Its critical role in providing leisure activities to the community underscores the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of this significant water management asset.
Year Completed |
1904 |
Dam Length |
1650 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
MUDDY CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
2.08 |
Nid Storage |
209.5 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Marais Des Cygnes R Nr Ks-Mo St Line
|
98cfs |
L Osage R At Fulton
|
1cfs |
Marais Des Cygnes R At La Cygne
|
114cfs |
Marmaton R Nr Fort Scott
|
2cfs |
Little Osage R. At Horton
|
3cfs |
Marmaton R Nr Marmaton
|
194cfs |
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.
Lower West Lake Dam