Wauneta North Dam

About Wauneta North Dam

The primary purpose of Wauneta North Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Chase County (local government). It impounds the Tr-frenchman River near Wauneta.

The dam stands 72 feet tall and stretches 1,212 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,934 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles. Completed in 1970, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 08/03/2022.

At 72 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.

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