Glen Elder
Key Takeaway
Glen Elder is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 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 | 142 ft (taller than 99.9% in KS) |
| Dam Length | 15,275 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 241.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13,500 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,520 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 263,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
| NID ID | KS00021 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 18 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Glen Elder?
Glen Elder 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 Glen Elder?
Glen Elder is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Glen Elder built?
Glen Elder was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Glen Elder?
Glen Elder serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Glen Elder?
Glen Elder has a dam height of 142 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 Glen Elder last inspected?
Glen Elder was last inspected on August 19, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.