Cooling Lake Dam - Wolf Creek Unit 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Cooling Lake Dam, part of the Wolf Creek Unit 1 in Burlington, Kansas, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 82 feet and has a storage capacity of 192,693 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 111,280 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is listed as "Other," serving various water resource management needs in the area.

The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment is currently rated as satisfactory. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in June 2020. While there are no associated structures or outlet gates listed, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified in the available data. Despite the lack of specific details on spillway type or maximum discharge capacity, Cooling Lake Dam remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management in Coffey County, Kansas.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Cooling Lake Dam - Wolf Creek Unit 1 to be a significant structure in the region, with its sizable storage capacity and high hazard potential necessitating regular inspections and maintenance. The dam's compliance with state regulations and its role in managing water resources for the area make it a crucial component of the local infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, structures like Cooling Lake Dam play a vital role in ensuring water security for communities in Coffey County and beyond.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Height

82

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5090

Drainage Area

27.4

Nid Storage

192693

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

82
       
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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.