Santa Fe Lake Dam

WILDCAT CREEK-TR· Elk, Kansas· Built 1895· Earth· 25 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Santa Fe Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1895 and is 131 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 46.5% in KS)
Dam Length1,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage224 acre-ft
Normal Storage28 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1895 (131 years old)
NID IDKS02948

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: March 26, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

MOLINE, CITY OF

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Santa Fe Lake Dam?

Santa Fe Lake Dam 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 Santa Fe Lake Dam?

Santa Fe Lake Dam is owned by MOLINE, CITY OF (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Santa Fe Lake Dam built?

Santa Fe Lake Dam was completed in 1895, making it 131 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 Santa Fe Lake Dam?

Santa Fe Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Santa Fe Lake Dam?

Santa Fe Lake Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Santa Fe Lake Dam last inspected?

Santa Fe Lake Dam was last inspected on March 26, 2020. 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.