Lowell Power Plant Spillway Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Lowell Power Plant Spillway, located in Cherokee, Kansas, along the Shoal Creek, is a concrete dam that was completed in 1905.
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Summary
This private-owned structure has a dam height of 30.75 feet and a storage capacity of 7600 acre-feet. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the spillway is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ensuring its compliance with state regulations and safety standards.
Although the last inspection of the Lowell Power Plant Spillway was conducted in 1979, with a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the structure remains in operation with no reported modifications over the years. The spillway's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently unknown, raising questions about its preparedness for potential incidents or hazards. Additionally, the lack of information on the spillway's spillway type, width, and discharge capacity adds to the uncertainties surrounding its functionality and safety measures.
Given its historical significance and vital role in water resource management, the Lowell Power Plant Spillway serves as a critical infrastructure along the Shoal Creek. However, with limited data available on its current condition and emergency preparedness, there is a need for updated inspections, risk assessments, and management measures to ensure the spillway's continued safe operation and protection of the surrounding community and environment from any potential risks or incidents.
Year Completed |
1905 |
Dam Length |
42 |
Dam Height |
30.75 |
River Or Stream |
SHOAL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Nid Storage |
7600 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spring River Near Quapaw
|
455cfs |
Shoal Creek Above Joplin
|
151cfs |
Tar Creek At 22nd Street Bridge
|
4cfs |
Spring River Near Waco
|
121cfs |
Neosho River Near Commerce
|
3030cfs |
Spring River At Carthage
|
58cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lowell Power Plant Spillway