Lake Coldwater

CAVALRY CREEK-TR· Comanche, Kansas· Built 1974· Earth· 38 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Coldwater is classified as significant hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 38 ft (taller than 90.5% in KS)
Dam Length3,860 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage6.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.5K acre-ft
Surface Area251 acres
Drainage Area43 sq mi
Max Discharge22,630 cfs
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)
NID IDKS02465

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 8, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

COLDWATER, CITY OF

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Coldwater?

Lake Coldwater is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lake Coldwater?

Lake Coldwater is owned by COLDWATER, CITY OF (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Coldwater built?

Lake Coldwater was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Lake Coldwater?

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

How tall is Lake Coldwater?

Lake Coldwater has a dam height of 38 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 Lake Coldwater last inspected?

Lake Coldwater was last inspected on April 8, 2019. 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.