Lake Parsons Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Parsons Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 52 ft (taller than 97.9% in KS) |
| Dam Length | 5,650 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 38.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 10.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 980 acres |
| Drainage Area | 37 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2014 |
| NID ID | KS02514 |
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
PARSONS, CITY OF
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Lake Parsons Dam?
Lake Parsons 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 Parsons Dam?
Lake Parsons Dam is owned by PARSONS, CITY OF (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Parsons Dam built?
Lake Parsons Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Parsons Dam?
Lake Parsons Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, 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 Parsons Dam?
Lake Parsons Dam has a dam height of 52 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 Parsons Dam last inspected?
Lake Parsons Dam was last inspected on December 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.