Duranleau Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Duranleau Dam, located in Elk County, Kansas, is a private earth dam primarily used for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 15.5 feet and with a length of 700 feet, has a storage capacity of 203.81 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 23.65 acre-feet. It is situated on the South Fork Wildcat Creek and serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.

Despite being privately owned, Duranleau Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Kansas and is not regulated or inspected by any state agency. The dam has a low hazard potential and its condition is currently not rated. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a risk level of 3 out of 5. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in March 2012, and it has not been rated for its condition assessment.

The captivating aspect of Duranleau Dam lies in its role as a vital water resource for fire protection and livestock, as well as its potential impact on the local climate and ecosystem. With its moderate risk level and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam presents both challenges and opportunities for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and monitor its impact on the surrounding environment.

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

15.5

River Or Stream

SOUTH FORK WILDCAT CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.5

Drainage Area

1.02

Nid Storage

203.81

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.