Kirwin

NORTH FORK SOLOMON RIVER· Phillips, Kansas· Built 1954· Earth· 169 ft tall

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Irrigation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Kirwin is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 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	169 ft (taller than 100% in KS)
Dam Length	12,646 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	513.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage	99.5K acre-ft

Surface Area	10,640 acres
Drainage Area	1,373 sq mi
Max Discharge	96,000 cfs
Year Completed	1954 (72 years old)
NID ID	KS00022

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: September 16, 2020

State Regulated: No

Ownership

RECLAMATION

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Dam KS03448

Phillips, KS

Low Hazard 13 ft

Dam KS03445

Phillips, KS

Low Hazard 11 ft

Dam KS01722

Phillips, KS

Low Hazard 21 ft

Dam KS03449

Phillips, KS

Low Hazard 13 ft

Dam KS03484

Phillips, KS

Low Hazard 28 ft

Dam KS01708

Phillips, KS

Low Hazard 19 ft

Dam KS03450

Phillips, KS

Low Hazard 16 ft

Dam KS03446

Phillips, KS

Low Hazard 16 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kirwin?

Kirwin 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 Kirwin?

Kirwin is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kirwin built?

Kirwin was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Kirwin?

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

How tall is Kirwin?

Kirwin has a dam height of 169 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 Kirwin last inspected?

Kirwin was last inspected on September 16, 2020. 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.