Lake Mckinney Dam

ARKANSAS RIVER-TR OFFSTREAM· Kearny, Kansas· Built 1890· Earth· 37 ft tall

High Hazard Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Mckinney Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. 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	37 ft (taller than 89.2% in KS)
Dam Length	6,000 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	15.5K acre-ft

Drainage Area	202 sq mi
Year Completed	1890 (136 years old)
NID ID	KS03536

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: April 13, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

GARDEN CITY COMPANY

Private

Nearby Dams

Dam KS05000

Kearny, KS

Low Hazard 16 ft

Dam KS01193

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Low Hazard 17 ft

Dam KS04997

Kearny, KS

Low Hazard 16 ft

Frd No 1

Kearny, KS

Low Hazard 31 ft

Frd No 2

Kearny, KS

High Hazard 37 ft

Frd No 3

Kearny, KS

High Hazard 32 ft

Frd No 4

Kearny, KS

High Hazard 39 ft

Dam KS04996

Kearny, KS

Low Hazard 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Mckinney Dam?

Lake Mckinney 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 Lake Mckinney Dam?

Lake Mckinney Dam is owned by GARDEN CITY COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Mckinney Dam built?

Lake Mckinney Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

How tall is Lake Mckinney Dam?

Lake Mckinney Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Mckinney Dam last inspected?

Lake Mckinney Dam was last inspected on April 13, 2022. 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.