Lake Elbo
Key Takeaway
Lake Elbo is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 33 ft (taller than 81.7% in KS) |
| Dam Length | 1,200 ft |
| Max Storage | 495 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 450 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 3,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
| NID ID | KS02061 |
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
LAKE ELBO CLUB INC
Private
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Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Elbo?
Lake Elbo 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 Lake Elbo?
Lake Elbo is owned by LAKE ELBO CLUB INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Elbo built?
Lake Elbo was completed in 1949, making it 77 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 Elbo?
Lake Elbo serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Elbo?
Lake Elbo has a dam height of 33 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 Elbo last inspected?
Lake Elbo was last inspected on June 24, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.