Riverton Bypass Spillway Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Riverton Bypass Spillway, also known as the Lowell Reservoir By Pass Dam, is a private water resource structure located in Baxter Springs, Kansas.


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Summary

Built in 1957 on the Spring River, this buttress dam stands at 28 feet with a hydraulic height of 36 feet and a structural height of 43 feet. It serves as a vital resource for the area, providing a normal storage capacity of 4340 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 7600 acre-feet.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the Riverton Bypass Spillway is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities, ensuring its safety and functionality for the community. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water management in the region. Its strategic location on the Spring River enhances its efficiency in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.

Despite being last inspected in 1979, the Riverton Bypass Spillway continues to stand as a reliable infrastructure for water resource management in Cherokee County, Kansas. Its presence not only safeguards the local community but also contributes to the sustainable use of water resources in the region. As a significant structure on the Spring River, this dam exemplifies the importance of proper planning, regulation, and maintenance in ensuring the resilience of water resources in the face of changing climates and increasing demands.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

SPRING RIVER

Surface Area

580

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

2430

Nid Storage

7600

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

43
       
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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.