Columbian Acres Dam No 1 dam
Columbian Acres Dam No 1
Columbian Acres Dam No 1, located in Derby, Kansas, is a private-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS for recreational purposes. Completed in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 13 feet, stretching 500 feet in length. Despite its low hazard potential and not being currently regulated or inspected by the state, the dam has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and is situated on Spring Creek-TR, covering a drainage area of 0.93 square miles.
Even though Columbian Acres Dam No 1 is not state-regulated, it serves as an important recreational site in Sedgwick County, Kansas, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts for various outdoor activities. With a spillway width of 50 feet and a hazard potential deemed low, this dam provides a safe environment for visitors to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and engage in water-based recreational activities. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam continues to offer a serene escape for those seeking outdoor adventures in the heart of Kansas.
As part of the Natural Resources Conservation Service's portfolio, Columbian Acres Dam No 1 has been an integral part of the local landscape for nearly seven decades. Even though it may not receive regular state inspections or regulatory oversight, the dam remains a landmark in the community, offering a glimpse into the region's water resource management history. With its historical significance and recreational value, Columbian Acres Dam No 1 continues to be a focal point for water enthusiasts and climate-conscious individuals looking to connect with nature in a unique setting.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Columbian Acres Dam No 1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas R At Derby | 226 cfs | → |
| Arkansas R At Wichita | 183 cfs | → |
| Ninnescah R Nr Peck | 179 cfs | → |
| Floodway At Arkansas R At Wichita | · | → |
| Cowskin C At 119th St At Wichita | 1 cfs | → |
| Arkansas R Nr Maize | 93 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Columbian Acres Dam No 1.
Boat launches
- West 55th Street South 1378, Wichita
- East 29th Street North Wichita
- Wichita
- East 45th Street North 1221, Park City
- Old 82nd Road Winfield
- South Lake Road Winfield
Campgrounds
- Mcconnell Afb Military
- Santa Fe Lake - Augusta
- Cave Park
- Napawalla Park
- Lake Afton Park
- Winfield City Lake
Track Columbian Acres Dam No 1 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Columbian Acres Dam No 1
Where does the data for Columbian Acres Dam No 1 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Columbian Acres Dam No 1.