Big Basin-Storage Ponds 1 & 2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Basin-Storage Ponds 1 & 2, located in McPherson, Kansas, are state-regulated earth dams with a height of 8 feet and a storage capacity of 251.8 acre-feet.
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Summary
Built in 2007, these dams serve the primary purpose of water storage for the Blaze Fork-TR river or stream. The dams have a controlled spillway type and a low hazard potential rating, with a very high risk assessment due to their condition not being rated.
Owned by the state of Kansas and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Big Basin-Storage Ponds 1 & 2 play a crucial role in water resource management in the area. The dams have not been inspected recently, but they are designed to handle emergency situations with emergency action plans in place. With a maximum storage capacity of 251.8 acre-feet, these dams provide essential water supply and flood control measures for the surrounding region.
In the event of a potential risk, the emergency contacts and procedures for Big Basin-Storage Ponds 1 & 2 are not updated, but the dams are equipped to meet guidelines and have inundation maps prepared. Despite their very high risk assessment, these dams are crucial for water resource management in the area and have been designed to ensure safety and efficient water storage for the community.
Year Completed |
2007 |
Dam Length |
8200 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
BLAZE FORK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Nid Storage |
251.8 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smoky Hill R At Lindsborg
|
108cfs |
Smoky Hill R Nr Langley
|
68cfs |
L Arkansas R At Alta Mills
|
31cfs |
Cow C Nr Lyons
|
14cfs |
Smoky Hill R Nr Mentor
|
104cfs |
Arkansas R Nr Nickerson
|
120cfs |
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.
Big Basin-Storage Ponds 1 & 2