South Frisco

MILL CREEK-TR· Johnson, Kansas· Built 1868· Earth· 22 ft tall
High Hazard Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

South Frisco is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1868 and is 158 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 22 ft (taller than 34.2% in KS)
Dam Length1,500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage291 acre-ft
Normal Storage39 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,400 cfs
Year Completed1868 (158 years old)
NID IDKS04169

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: April 5, 2022
State Regulated: No
Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

OLATHE, CITY OF

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of South Frisco?

South Frisco 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 South Frisco?

South Frisco is owned by OLATHE, CITY OF (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was South Frisco built?

South Frisco was completed in 1868, making it 158 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 South Frisco?

South Frisco serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is South Frisco?

South Frisco has a dam height of 22 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 South Frisco last inspected?

South Frisco was last inspected on April 5, 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.