New Wellington Lake

EAST PRAIRIE CREEK· Sumner, Kansas· Built 1996· Earth· 39 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

New Wellington Lake is classified as significant hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1996 and is 30 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 39 ft (taller than 91.9% in KS)
Dam Length3,700 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage16.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage5.9K acre-ft
Surface Area675 acres
Drainage Area18 sq mi
Max Discharge8,205 cfs
Year Completed1996 (30 years old)
NID IDKS07526

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 14, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

WELLINGTON, CITY OF

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of New Wellington Lake?

New Wellington Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates New Wellington Lake?

New Wellington Lake is owned by WELLINGTON, CITY OF (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was New Wellington Lake built?

New Wellington Lake 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 New Wellington Lake?

New Wellington Lake serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is New Wellington Lake?

New Wellington Lake has a dam height of 39 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 New Wellington Lake last inspected?

New Wellington Lake was last inspected on April 14, 2023. 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.