Spears Dam

NEGRO CREEK-TR· Johnson, Kansas· Earth· 19 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Spears Dam is classified as significant hazard in Kansas. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 19 ft (taller than 21.5% in KS)
Dam Length460 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage58 acre-ft
Normal Storage34 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
NID IDKS07299

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: No
Last Inspection: April 19, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

SPEARS, HAYWARD

Private

Nearby Dams

Willow Lake

Johnson, KS

High Hazard 28 ft

Lionsgate Dam

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High Hazard 31 ft

Private Dam

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Significant Hazard 13 ft

Kemper Dam

Jackson, MO

Low Hazard 31 ft

Dam KS04165

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Low Hazard 35 ft

Hawthorne Valley Lake Dam

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High Hazard 16 ft

Mill Creek Dam

Cass, MO

High Hazard 62 ft

Williams Lake Dam

Cass, MO

Low Hazard 27 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Spears Dam?

Spears 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 Spears Dam?

Spears Dam is owned by SPEARS, HAYWARD (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Spears Dam?

Spears Dam 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 Spears Dam?

Spears Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Spears Dam last inspected?

Spears Dam was last inspected on April 19, 2018. 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.