Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam)

TOMAHAWK CREEK-TR· Johnson, Kansas· Built 1962· Earth· 20 ft tall
High Hazard Other Private

Key Takeaway

Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam) is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 20 ft (taller than 25% in KS)
Dam Length900 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage181 acre-ft
Normal Storage45 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge6,074 cfs
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDKS01184

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: Yes
Last Inspection: July 11, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

MAK MANAGEMENT LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam)?

Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge 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 Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam)?

Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam) is owned by MAK MANAGEMENT LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam) built?

Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam) was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam)?

Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam) serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam)?

Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam) has a dam height of 20 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 Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam) last inspected?

Bluestem Dam (Previously Daybreak Ridge Dam) was last inspected on July 11, 2023. 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.