Colwich Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Colwich Park Dam, located in Sedgwick, Kansas, along the Cowskin Creek, is a local government-owned structure completed in 2008.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam stands at 9.5 feet tall and spans 1797 feet, with a storage capacity of 170.85 acre-feet. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam has a spillway width of 100 feet and is classified as having a high hazard potential due to its location.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. With a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is deemed to meet guidelines for emergency action plans, although specific details on these measures are not provided in the data. The risk assessment for Colwich Park Dam indicates a moderate level of risk, suggesting a need for ongoing monitoring and management to mitigate potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Colwich Park Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and management. Its presence along the Cowskin Creek highlights the importance of effective regulation and inspection to safeguard communities and ecosystems from the impacts of dam failures. With its high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, ongoing attention to the maintenance and monitoring of Colwich Park Dam is crucial to ensure its continued safety and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

2008

Dam Length

1797

Dam Height

9.5

River Or Stream

COWSKIN CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.04

Drainage Area

0.49

Nid Storage

170.85

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.