Tuttle Creek Dam

BIG BLUE RIVER· Pottawatomie, Kansas· Built 1962· Rockfill·

Key Takeaway

Tuttle Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 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 Length7,500 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage2.3M acre-ft
Normal Storage335.1K acre-ft
Surface Area13,350 acres
Drainage Area9,628 sq mi
Max Discharge612,000 cfs
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDKS00012

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: February 15, 2021
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Kansas City District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Tuttle Creek Dam?

Tuttle Creek 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 Tuttle Creek Dam?

Tuttle Creek 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 Tuttle Creek Dam built?

Tuttle Creek Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Tuttle Creek Dam?

Tuttle Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Navigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Tuttle Creek Dam last inspected?

Tuttle Creek Dam was last inspected on February 15, 2021. 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.