Critzer Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Water Supply Lake Lake Chaparral
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Critzer Dam, located in Critzer, Kansas, is a local government-owned structure that serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply.
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Summary
Completed in 2006, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 72 feet and spans 1696 feet along the North Fork Little Sugar Creek. With a storage capacity of 9464 acre-feet and a surface area of 212 acres, Critzer Dam plays a critical role in managing water resources in Linn County.
Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Critzer Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment is satisfactory. Despite its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Critzer Dam also offers recreational opportunities and contributes to the local water supply. The dam's strategic location and design make it a vital component of water resource management in the region.
Critzer Dam's design by Shetlar Griffith & Shetlar Inc. incorporates buttress core types and an unlisted/unknown foundation. With a maximum discharge capacity of 32700 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 600 feet, the dam is equipped to handle potential flood events effectively. The last inspection in April 2020 revealed the dam's satisfactory condition, indicating that it continues to serve its purpose of safeguarding the community against flooding while providing additional benefits to residents and visitors alike.
Year Completed |
2006 |
Dam Length |
1696 |
Dam Height |
72 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH FORK LITTLE SUGAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
212 |
Drainage Area |
13.34 |
Nid Storage |
9464 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
72 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
L Osage R At Fulton
|
1cfs |
Marais Des Cygnes R Nr Ks-Mo St Line
|
106cfs |
Marais Des Cygnes R At La Cygne
|
108cfs |
Pottawatomie C Nr Scipio
|
15cfs |
Marmaton R Nr Uniontown
|
0cfs |
Pottawatomie C At Lane
|
11cfs |
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.
Critzer Dam