Biddle Creek Detention Dam
Key Takeaway
Biddle Creek Detention Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 26 ft (taller than 50.5% in KS) |
| Dam Length | 770 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 520 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 149 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,175 cfs |
| Year Modified | 2006 |
| NID ID | KS07518 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
TOPEKA, CITY OF
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lake Shawnee
Shawnee, KS
High Hazard 55 ftDam KS03954
Shawnee, KS
Low Hazard 21 ftSouth Branch Dam
Shawnee, KS
High Hazard 33 ftDam KS01931
Shawnee, KS
Low Hazard 26 ftDam KS02886
Shawnee, KS
Low Hazard 30 ftDam KS03960
Shawnee, KS
Low Hazard 22 ftDam KS02882
Shawnee, KS
Low Hazard 30 ftDam KS03966
Shawnee, KS
Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Biddle Creek Detention Dam?
Biddle Creek Detention 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 Biddle Creek Detention Dam?
Biddle Creek Detention Dam is owned by TOPEKA, CITY OF (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
What is the primary purpose of Biddle Creek Detention Dam?
Biddle Creek Detention Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Biddle Creek Detention Dam?
Biddle Creek Detention Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Biddle Creek Detention Dam last inspected?
Biddle Creek Detention Dam was last inspected on April 13, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.