Merritt Lake
Key Takeaway
Merritt Lake is classified as low hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1860 and is 166 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 20 ft (taller than 25% in KS) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 19 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 280 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1860 (166 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1976 |
| NID ID | KS04076 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Fort Leavenworth
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Merritt Lake?
Merritt Lake is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Merritt Lake?
Merritt Lake is owned by Fort Leavenworth (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Merritt Lake built?
Merritt Lake was completed in 1860, making it 166 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 Merritt Lake?
Merritt Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Merritt Lake?
Merritt Lake has a dam height of 20 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 Merritt Lake last inspected?
Merritt Lake was last inspected on May 18, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.