Fall River Dam
Key Takeaway
Fall River Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 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 | 94 ft (taller than 99.8% in KS) |
| Dam Length | 6,015 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 256.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 22.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,329 acres |
| Drainage Area | 585 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 229,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
| NID ID | KS00003 |
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 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fall River Dam?
Fall River 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 Fall River Dam?
Fall River Dam is owned by USACE - Tulsa District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fall River Dam built?
Fall River Dam was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Fall River Dam?
Fall River Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fall River Dam?
Fall River Dam has a dam height of 94 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 Fall River Dam last inspected?
Fall River Dam was last inspected on June 6, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.