Lake Wabaunsee Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Wabaunsee Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1996 and is 30 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 | 66 ft (taller than 99.3% in KS) |
| Dam Length | 1,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 228 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 23,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1996 (30 years old) |
| NID ID | KS02531 |
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
ESKRIDGE, CITY OF
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Dd No 11
Wabaunsee, KS
Low Hazard 44 ftDd No 55
Wabaunsee, KS
Low Hazard 39 ftDd No 12
Wabaunsee, KS
Low Hazard 31 ftDd No 9
Wabaunsee, KS
Low Hazard 40 ftFrd No 38
Wabaunsee, KS
Low Hazard 43 ftDd No 39
Wabaunsee, KS
Low Hazard 46 ftDam KS04145
Wabaunsee, KS
Low Hazard 24 ftDd No 8
Wabaunsee, KS
Low Hazard 29 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Wabaunsee Dam?
Lake Wabaunsee 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 Wabaunsee Dam?
Lake Wabaunsee Dam is owned by ESKRIDGE, CITY OF (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Wabaunsee Dam built?
Lake Wabaunsee Dam was completed in 1996, making it 30 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 Wabaunsee Dam?
Lake Wabaunsee Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Wabaunsee Dam?
Lake Wabaunsee Dam has a dam height of 66 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 Wabaunsee Dam last inspected?
Lake Wabaunsee Dam was last inspected on April 27, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.