Upper Dam
Upper Dam is a dam located in Chautauqua County, Kansas, built in 1935. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Upper Dam
The primary purpose of Upper Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Sedan, City Of (local government). It impounds the Deer Creek near Sedan.
The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 800 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 57 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,249 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1935, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/29/2021.
At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 90% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Kansas |
| County | Chautauqua |
| Nearest City | Sedan |
| River/Stream | Deer Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.16953, -96.21897 |
Physical Characteristics
| NID Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,249 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,249 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 826 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 57 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | SEDAN, CITY OF |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 07/29/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KS02462 |
| Federal ID | KS02462 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |