Beech Lake Dam

GYPSUM CREEK-TR· Sedgwick, Kansas· Built 1953· Earth· 18 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Beech Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 16.5% in KS)
Dam Length1,110 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage377 acre-ft
Normal Storage182 acre-ft
Surface Area23 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge3,202 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDKS03791

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 20, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

WEBB & 13TH REAL ESTATE LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Beech Lake Dam?

Beech Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Beech Lake Dam?

Beech Lake Dam is owned by WEBB & 13TH REAL ESTATE LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Beech Lake Dam built?

Beech Lake Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Beech Lake Dam?

Beech Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Beech Lake Dam?

Beech Lake Dam has a dam height of 18 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Beech Lake Dam last inspected?

Beech Lake Dam was last inspected on April 20, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.