Ottawa State Fishing Lake
Key Takeaway
Ottawa State Fishing Lake is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 34 ft (taller than 84% in KS) |
| Dam Length | 1,650 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 138 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 21,821 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2006 |
| NID ID | KS00889 |
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
KANSAS DEPT OF WILDLIFE PARKS & TOURISM
State Government
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Low Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ottawa State Fishing Lake?
Ottawa State Fishing Lake 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 Ottawa State Fishing Lake?
Ottawa State Fishing Lake is owned by KANSAS DEPT OF WILDLIFE PARKS & TOURISM (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ottawa State Fishing Lake built?
Ottawa State Fishing Lake was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Ottawa State Fishing Lake?
Ottawa State Fishing Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ottawa State Fishing Lake?
Ottawa State Fishing Lake has a dam height of 34 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 Ottawa State Fishing Lake last inspected?
Ottawa State Fishing Lake was last inspected on June 8, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.