El Dorado Dam
Key Takeaway
El Dorado Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 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 | 99 ft (taller than 99.8% in KS) |
| Dam Length | 20,930 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 246.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 161.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8,400 acres |
| Drainage Area | 234 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 120,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
| NID ID | KS00027 |
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
USACE - Tulsa District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of El Dorado Dam?
El Dorado 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 El Dorado Dam?
El Dorado Dam is owned by USACE - Tulsa District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was El Dorado Dam built?
El Dorado Dam was completed in 1981, making it 45 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 El Dorado Dam?
El Dorado Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is El Dorado Dam?
El Dorado Dam has a dam height of 99 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 El Dorado Dam last inspected?
El Dorado Dam was last inspected on September 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.