SYLVAN GROVE, Kan. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wilson Lake Dam recently repaired a slide on a downstream embankment.
Project staff performing routine monitoring observed a slide on the Wilson Dam downstream embankment on May 20, 2017. Geotechnical engineers, geologists, and project staff determined that the cause of the slide was the prolonged drought conditions in recent years and then the large amounts of rainfall in May. The Wilson project office received over nine inches of rain in May. The slide was not related to the elevated lake levels experienced in May.
An in-house construction team from the Kansas City District - Napoleon office mobilized and removed the damaged material and reconstructed the area. Construction included the removal, replacement and compaction of the soils and the installation of a drainage system to help prevent future slides in this area.
Construction was substantially completed on August 31 and the area was hydro-seeded on September 7. The Corps considers the dam fully repaired at this time and has returned to normal monitoring and inspection practices. Project staff continues to water the grass seed placed on the repaired area. Until the grass seed gets established, daily traffic detouring will continue. Project staff will also place turf reinforcement matting on the repaired area to protect against future erosion.
"The safety and performance of our dams is a top priority for the Corps of Engineers. The slide repair was completed with diligence and care to ensure the dam is ready to perform during any future flood events," said Scott Mensing, dam safety program manager, Kansas City District.
The Kansas City District is a team of dedicated professionals with a strong heritage and proven results who, in collaboration with our partners, proudly serve in the Heartland providing leadership, technical excellence, and innovative solutions to the nation's most complex problems.
Release no. 17-043