Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7)
Key Takeaway
Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7) is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 86 ft (taller than 99.7% in KS) |
| Dam Length | 1,595 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 13.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 259 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,890 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | KS02301 |
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
FALL RIVER WJD NO 21
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Dam 1
Greenwood, KS
Low Hazard 26 ftDam 2
Greenwood, KS
Low Hazard 23 ftDd No I-13
Greenwood, KS
Significant Hazard 20 ftDam No 4
Greenwood, KS
Low Hazard 24 ftFrd No E-10
Greenwood, KS
Low Hazard 41 ftDam KS04422
Greenwood, KS
Low Hazard 25 ftDam KS07203
Greenwood, KS
Low Hazard 14 ftFrd No E-8
Greenwood, KS
Low Hazard 44 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7)?
Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7) 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 Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7)?
Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7) is owned by FALL RIVER WJD NO 21 (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7) built?
Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7) was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7)?
Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7) serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7)?
Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7) has a dam height of 86 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 Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7) last inspected?
Otis Creek Dam (Mpd No W-7) was last inspected on April 28, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.