Maars Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Maars Dam, located in Cowley, Kansas, is a privately owned structure designed by Norman L.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Roelfs, P.E. This earth dam on Grouse Creek serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 670 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 298.3 acre-feet and a surface area of 16 acres. The dam is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and is inspected and enforced by the state.

Despite being classified as low hazard potential and not rated for condition assessment, Maars Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. The dam has a spillway width of 40 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1216 cubic feet per second. Although the last inspection was conducted in October 1991, the dam remains a key asset for water supply and protection in the region. The dam does not have outlet gates and is not managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Overall, Maars Dam stands as an essential structure for fire protection, livestock, and aquatic life support in Cowley, Kansas. With its strategic location on Grouse Creek and its significant storage capacity, the dam serves as a vital resource for the local community. While the dam's condition assessment and emergency preparedness may need further evaluation and updates, its role in water resource management and climate resilience cannot be understated.

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

GROUSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

0.37

Nid Storage

298.3

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.