Leavenworth State Lake Dam

About Leavenworth State Lake Dam

The primary purpose of Leavenworth State Lake Dam is fish and wildlife pond. The dam creates habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and potentially serving conservation goals. The dam is owned by Kansas Dept Of Wildlife Parks & Tourism (state). It impounds the Ninemile Creek-tr near Linwood.

The dam stands 77 feet tall and stretches 1,240 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 175 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,050 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1994, the structure is 32 years old.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/20/2023.

At 77 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Kansas dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.