Perry Dam

DELAWARE RIVER· Jefferson, Kansas· Built 1969· Earth· 121 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Navigation Recreation Water Supply Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Perry Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 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 121 ft (taller than 99.9% in KS)
Dam Length1,740 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage770.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area12,200 acres
Drainage Area1,117 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1969 (57 years old)
NID IDKS00009

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 22, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Kansas City District

Federal Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Perry Dam?

Perry 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 Perry Dam?

Perry Dam is owned by USACE - Kansas City District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Perry Dam built?

Perry Dam was completed in 1969, making it 57 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 Perry Dam?

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

How tall is Perry Dam?

Perry Dam has a dam height of 121 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 Perry Dam last inspected?

Perry Dam was last inspected on June 22, 2022. 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.