Walden Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Walden Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 24 ft (taller than 41.9% in KS) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 59 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 918 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2003 |
| NID ID | KS03906 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
WALDEN POND HOMES ASSOCIATION
Private
Nearby Dams
Seven Hills Dam
Johnson, KS
High Hazard 28 ftLakeview Estates
Johnson, KS
High Hazard 55 ftDam KS01165
Johnson, KS
High Hazard 28 ftDam KS01163
Johnson, KS
Low Hazard 36 ftBlack Swan Lake Dam
Johnson, KS
High Hazard 62 ftDam KS09034
Johnson, KS
High Hazard 24 ftDam KS09681
Wyandotte, KS
High HazardMartiny Dam
Wyandotte, KS
High Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Walden Pond Dam?
Walden Pond 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 Walden Pond Dam?
Walden Pond Dam is owned by WALDEN POND HOMES ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Walden Pond Dam built?
Walden Pond Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Walden Pond Dam?
Walden Pond 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 Walden Pond Dam?
Walden Pond Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Walden Pond Dam last inspected?
Walden Pond Dam was last inspected on August 23, 2011. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.