Upper Dam

BADGER CREEK-TR· Butler, Kansas· Earth· 22 ft tall

High Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Upper Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. Its primary use is fire protection. 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 Length	650 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	272 acre-ft
Normal Storage	94 acre-ft

Surface Area	17 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Max Discharge	3,951 cfs
NID ID	KS09005

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 29, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

BRIARCLIFF ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOC

Private

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Santa Fe Lake Dam

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Moffett Dam

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Dam KS03830

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Crescent Lake

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Augusta Waterworks Dam

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Project No. 1570

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Dam?

Upper 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 Upper Dam?

Upper Dam is owned by BRIARCLIFF ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Upper Dam?

Upper Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Upper Dam?

Upper Dam 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 Upper Dam last inspected?

Upper Dam was last inspected on April 29, 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.