Wilson Dam, located in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, along the Saline River, is a federal-owned Earth dam completed in 1964 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Standing at a hydraulic height of 130 feet and a structural height of 160 feet, the dam boasts a total length of 5600 feet and a storage capacity of 736,000 acre-feet. With a surface area of 9040 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 15,700 cubic feet per second, Wilson Dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilson Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a high hazard potential, but is equipped with an Emergency Action Plan and meets guidelines for risk management. The risk management measures include continuous monitoring, prioritized maintenance activities, and collaboration with local emergency managers to prepare for potential emergencies. As a key infrastructure for flood control and water resource management, Wilson Dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of severe weather events and flooding.

Overall, Wilson Dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective dam management in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety and resilience of water resources and surrounding areas. Through proactive risk management measures and collaboration with local stakeholders, Wilson Dam continues to fulfill its critical role in protecting communities and habitats from the potential impacts of extreme weather events and flooding.