Critzer Dam

NORTH FORK LITTLE SUGAR CREEK· Linn, Kansas· Built 2006· Earth· 72 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Critzer Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 2006 and is 20 years old. 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 72 ft (taller than 99.5% in KS)
Dam Length1,696 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage9.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.3K acre-ft
Surface Area212 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Max Discharge32,700 cfs
Year Completed2006 (20 years old)
NID IDKS09291

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: January 10, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

MARAIS DES CYGNES PWWSD NO 13

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Critzer Dam?

Critzer 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 Critzer Dam?

Critzer Dam is owned by MARAIS DES CYGNES PWWSD NO 13 (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Critzer Dam built?

Critzer Dam was completed in 2006, making it 20 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 Critzer Dam?

Critzer Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Critzer Dam?

Critzer Dam has a dam height of 72 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 Critzer Dam last inspected?

Critzer Dam was last inspected on January 10, 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.