Dickinson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dickinson Lake Dam, located in Wichita, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1957 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Spanning 800 feet in length and standing at a height of 13 feet, it holds a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Wildhorse Creek and is designed with a buttress core type. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its condition and poses a high risk level, indicating the need for further assessment and potential risk management measures.

The dam lacks a spillway and has no locks associated with it, suggesting limited control over water discharge. With a normal storage capacity of 42 acre-feet and a total surface area of 13 acres, Dickinson Lake Dam serves as a vital water resource for the area. While it is primarily used for recreation, it also supports tailing activities and water supply needs. Although the dam has not been regulated or inspected by state agencies, it does have state permitting and inspection processes in place, ensuring some level of oversight and maintenance.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's readiness and response protocols are unclear, as no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated. The hazard potential of the dam is not available, emphasizing the importance of establishing proper risk management measures. With its strategic location and critical role in water management, Dickinson Lake Dam remains a key structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and assess for potential environmental impacts and safety concerns.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

WILDHORSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

125

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.