William Day Detention Dam

OWL CREEK-TR· Lincoln, Kansas· Built 1978· Earth· 22 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

William Day Detention Dam is classified as significant hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1978 and is 48 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 34.2% in KS)
Dam Length420 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage130 acre-ft
Normal Storage21 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,424 cfs
Year Completed1978 (48 years old)
NID IDKS04661

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 6, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

DAY, WILLIAM E

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of William Day Detention Dam?

William Day Detention 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 William Day Detention Dam?

William Day Detention Dam is owned by DAY, WILLIAM E (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was William Day Detention Dam built?

William Day Detention Dam was completed in 1978, making it 48 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 William Day Detention Dam?

William Day Detention 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 William Day Detention Dam?

William Day Detention 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 William Day Detention Dam last inspected?

William Day Detention Dam was last inspected on April 6, 2020. 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.