Wilson Dam

SALINE RIVER· Russell, Kansas· Built 1964· Earth·

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Irrigation Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Wilson Dam is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 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 Length	5,600 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	736.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage	245.0K acre-ft

Surface Area	9,040 acres
Drainage Area	1,917 sq mi
Max Discharge	15,700 cfs
Year Completed	1964 (62 years old)
NID ID	KS00013

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: March 15, 2020

State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Kansas City District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Dam KS07326

Lincoln, KS

Low Hazard 22 ft

Dam KS02736

Russell, KS

Low Hazard 20 ft

Dam KS01317

Lincoln, KS

Low Hazard 20 ft

Dam KS02526

Russell, KS

Low Hazard 30 ft

Dam KS07605

Lincoln, KS

Unknown 28 ft

Dam KS00117

Lincoln, KS

Low Hazard 18 ft

Highland Lake Dam

Lincoln, KS

Significant Hazard 28 ft

Dam KS02698

Russell, KS

Low Hazard 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wilson Dam?

Wilson 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 Wilson Dam?

Wilson 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 Wilson Dam built?

Wilson Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Wilson Dam?

Wilson Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, 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 Wilson Dam last inspected?

Wilson Dam was last inspected on March 15, 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.