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{{Infobox lake {{Infobox body of water
| lake_name = Wilson Lake |name = Wilson Lake

| image_lake = USACE Wilson Dam Kansas.jpg
| caption_lake = Wilson Dam |image = USACE Wilson Dam Kansas.jpg
|caption = Wilson Dam (1999)
| image_bathymetry =
|image_bathymetry = Map of Russell Co, Ks, USA.png
| caption_bathymetry =
| location = ] / ] counties, ] |caption_bathymetry = ] map of ] (])

| coords = {{coord|38.94686|N|98.577576|W|type:waterbody_region:US-KS|display=inline,title}}
|location = ] and ] counties in ]
| type = ]
|coords = {{coord|38|56|25|N|98|33|24|W|format=dms|type:waterbody_region:US-KS_source:gnis|display=inline,title}}
| inflow = ]

| outflow = ]
|type = ]
| catchment =
|inflow = ]
| basin_countries = United States
|outflow = ]
| length =
|catchment = {{convert|1917|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}
| width =
|basin_countries = ]
| area =
|agency = ]
| depth =
|date-built = {{Start date|1961|04}}
| max-depth =
|date-flooded = {{Start date|1964|12|29}}
| volume = {{convert|908000000|m3|cumi|abbr=on}}

| residence_time =
|length = {{convert|24|mi|km}}
| shore =
|width =
| elevation =
|area = {{convert|9045|acre|km2|abbr=on}}
| islands =
|depth =
| cities =
|max-depth = {{convert|65|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=Fishing>{{cite web | title = Wilson Reservoir Fishing Information | publisher = Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism | url = http://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Northwest-Region/Wilson-Reservoir | accessdate = 2015-11-09}}</ref>
|volume = ''Full:'' {{convert|242528|acre-ft|m3|abbr=on}}<ref name=Volume/><br>''Current (Nov. 2015):'' {{convert|156100|acre-ft|m3|abbr=on}}<ref name=Conditions/>
|residence_time =
|shore = {{convert|100|mi|km|abbr=on}}
|elevation = ''Full:'' {{convert|1516|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=Volume/><br>''Current (May. 2019):'' {{convert|1523|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=Conditions/>
|frozen =
|islands =

|cities = ], ], ], ]
<!-- Map -->
| pushpin_map = Kansas#USA
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt = Location of Wilson Lake in Kansas, USA.
| pushpin_map_caption =
<!-- Below -->
| website =
| reference = <ref name=gnis>{{cite GNIS|472533|Wilson Lake|January 15, 2021|October 13, 1978}}</ref>
}} }}

'''Wilson Lake''' or '''Wilson Reservoir''' is a ] in the ] state of ], on the border of ] and ]. It is a ] formed by the 130 ft (40 m) high ] on ]. The dam was built in ] for flood control. The lake’s maximum capacity is 736,000 ] (908 million ]).
'''Wilson Lake''' is a ] in the ] state of ], on the border of ] and ].<ref name=KDOT/> Built and managed by the ] for ], it is also used for wildlife management and recreation. Several parks are located along its shoreline, including ].<ref name=Learn/>

==History==
The ] authorized construction of Wilson Lake for the purposes of irrigation, navigation enhancement, flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and water quality assurance. However, the ] of the water in the ], which would feed the reservoir, made using it for irrigation unfeasible. The Bureau then turned over management and operation of the project to the ].<ref name=KWO/> The Corps of Engineers planned, designed, and constructed Wilson Dam, completing it in 1964 at a cost of $20 million, and continues to manage the reservoir to the present day.<ref name=Learn>{{cite web | title = Learn About the Lake | publisher = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | url = http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakes/WilsonLake/LearnAbouttheLake.aspx | accessdate = 2015-09-23}}</ref><ref name=Brochure>{{cite web | title = Wilson Lake - The Clearest Lake in Kansas | publisher = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | url = http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Portals/29/docs/lakesites/wilson/Wilson-Brochure.pdf | accessdate = 2015-09-23 | archive-date = 2017-11-01 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171101030417/http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Portals/29/docs/lakesites/wilson/Wilson-Brochure.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref>

==Geography==
Wilson Lake is located at {{Coord|38|56|25|N|98|33|24|W|type:city}} (38.9401464, -98.5567638) at an elevation of {{convert|1516|ft|m}}.<ref name=gnis/> It lies in north-central ] in the ] region of the ].<ref name=KDOT/> Most of Wilson Lake lies in ] with a small portion of its southeastern arm extending into ].<ref name=Russell>{{cite web | title = General Highway Map - Russell County, Kansas | publisher = Kansas Department of Transportation | date = October 2010 | url = https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/county-dgn/russell.JPG | accessdate = 2015-09-23}}</ref><ref name=Lincoln>{{cite web | title = General Highway Map - Lincoln County, Kansas | publisher = Kansas Department of Transportation | date = May 2011 | url = https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/county-dgn/lincoln.JPG | accessdate = 2015-09-23}}</ref>

The reservoir is impounded at its northeastern end by '''Wilson Dam'''. The dam is located at {{Coord|38|58|00|N|98|29|41|W|type:city}} (38.9666777, -98.4947876) at an elevation of {{convert|1588|ft|m}}.<ref name=DamGNIS>{{cite gnis | 475231 | Wilson Dam | 2015-09-23}}</ref> The ] is both the reservoir's primary inflow from the west and outflow to the east.<ref name=KDOT>{{cite web | title = 2003-2004 Official Transportation Map | publisher = Kansas Department of Transportation | url = http://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/HistoricStateMaps/2003-04Mapside.pdf | accessdate = 2015-09-23}}</ref> Smaller tributaries include Elm Creek, which flows from the south into the western part of the reservoir, and Hell Creek, which feeds the reservoir's southeastern arm.<ref name=Russell/><ref name=Lincoln/>

] runs generally north–south along the reservoir's eastern shore and across the top of Wilson Dam. Shoreline Road, a paved county road, runs generally east–west parallel to the southern shore, crossing the reservoir's southeastern arm.<ref name=Russell/>

===Climate===
According to the ] system, has a ], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded at Wilson Lake was {{convert|111|F|C|1}} on August 16, 1983, and June 21, 1988, while the coldest temperature recorded was {{convert|-26|F|C|1}} on December 23, 1989.<ref name=NOWData />

{{Weather box
|location = Wilson Lake, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1964–present
|single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 80
|Feb record high F = 86
|Mar record high F = 89
|Apr record high F = 100
|May record high F = 100
|Jun record high F = 111
|Jul record high F = 110
|Aug record high F = 111
|Sep record high F = 106
|Oct record high F = 97
|Nov record high F = 87
|Dec record high F = 79

|Jan avg record high F = 66.1
|Feb avg record high F = 70.5
|Mar avg record high F = 79.8
|Apr avg record high F = 87.7
|May avg record high F = 92.5
|Jun avg record high F = 98.8
|Jul avg record high F = 103.3
|Aug avg record high F = 101.3
|Sep avg record high F = 96.9
|Oct avg record high F = 89.6
|Nov avg record high F = 76.2
|Dec avg record high F = 64.8
|year avg record high F = 104.2

|Jan high F = 41.8
|Feb high F = 45.9
|Mar high F = 57.2
|Apr high F = 66.5
|May high F = 76.0
|Jun high F = 86.8
|Jul high F = 92.3
|Aug high F = 89.9
|Sep high F = 82.2
|Oct high F = 69.8
|Nov high F = 55.9
|Dec high F = 43.9
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 30.2
|Feb mean F = 33.6
|Mar mean F = 43.8
|Apr mean F = 53.1
|May mean F = 63.8
|Jun mean F = 74.6
|Jul mean F = 79.8
|Aug mean F = 77.5
|Sep mean F = 69.1
|Oct mean F = 56.3
|Nov mean F = 43.3
|Dec mean F = 33.0
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 18.6
|Feb low F = 21.3
|Mar low F = 30.5
|Apr low F = 39.7
|May low F = 51.5
|Jun low F = 62.5
|Jul low F = 67.3
|Aug low F = 65.1
|Sep low F = 56.1
|Oct low F = 42.7
|Nov low F = 30.7
|Dec low F = 22.1
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = 1.1
|Feb avg record low F = 4.4
|Mar avg record low F = 12.2
|Apr avg record low F = 24.0
|May avg record low F = 37.1
|Jun avg record low F = 49.6
|Jul avg record low F = 55.8
|Aug avg record low F = 54.5
|Sep avg record low F = 40.3
|Oct avg record low F = 24.9
|Nov avg record low F = 13.9
|Dec avg record low F = 5.6
|year avg record low F = -2.7

|Jan record low F = -15
|Feb record low F = -19
|Mar record low F = -5
|Apr record low F = 12
|May record low F = 27
|Jun record low F = 38
|Jul record low F = 46
|Aug record low F = 45
|Sep record low F = 28
|Oct record low F = 15
|Nov record low F = -5
|Dec record low F = -26

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 0.59
|Feb precipitation inch = 0.78
|Mar precipitation inch = 1.29
|Apr precipitation inch = 2.31
|May precipitation inch = 4.17
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.45
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.87
|Aug precipitation inch = 3.90
|Sep precipitation inch = 2.28
|Oct precipitation inch = 1.71
|Nov precipitation inch = 0.98
|Dec precipitation inch = 0.89
|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 2.8
|Feb precipitation days = 3.8
|Mar precipitation days = 5.0
|Apr precipitation days = 7.9
|May precipitation days = 10.3
|Jun precipitation days = 9.2
|Jul precipitation days = 8.8
|Aug precipitation days = 8.4
|Sep precipitation days = 6.8
|Oct precipitation days = 5.7
|Nov precipitation days = 3.6
|Dec precipitation days = 3.3

|Jan snow inch = 1.8
|Feb snow inch = 3.7
|Mar snow inch = 0.7
|Apr snow inch = 0.4
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.1
|Nov snow inch = 0.4
|Dec snow inch = 2.5
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 1.2
|Feb snow days = 1.6
|Mar snow days = 0.4
|Apr snow days = 0.1
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.0
|Nov snow days = 0.3
|Dec snow days = 1.2

|Jan snow depth inch = 2.3
|Feb snow depth inch = 3.7
|Mar snow depth inch = 1.0
|Apr snow depth inch = 0.4
|May snow depth inch = 0.0
|Jun snow depth inch = 0.0
|Jul snow depth inch = 0.0
|Aug snow depth inch = 0.0
|Sep snow depth inch = 0.0
|Oct snow depth inch = 0.0
|Nov snow depth inch = 0.4
|Dec snow depth inch = 1.9
|year snow depth inch = 5.0

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00148946&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Wilson Lake, KS
|access-date = December 11, 2022
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=ict
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Wichita
|access-date = December 11, 2022
}}
</ref>
}}

==Hydrography==
The surface area, surface elevation, and water volume of the reservoir fluctuate based on inflow and local climatic conditions.<ref name=Conditions>{{cite web | title = USGS 06868100 Wilson Lake near Wilson, KS | publisher = U.S. Geological Survey | url = http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ks/nwis/uv/?site_no=06868100&PARAmeter_cd=62614,62615,00054 | accessdate = 2015-11-09}}</ref> In terms of capacity, the Corps of Engineers vertically divides the reservoir into a set of pools based on volume and water level, and the reservoir is considered full when filled to the capacity of its multi-purpose pool.<ref name=Allocation/> When full, Wilson Lake has a surface area of {{convert|9045|acres|km2}}, a surface elevation of {{convert|1516|ft|m}}, and a volume of {{convert|242528|acre-ft|m3|abbr=on}}. When filled to maximum capacity, it has a surface area of {{convert|33882|acres|km2}}, a surface elevation of {{convert|1588|ft|m}}, and a volume of {{convert|1666995|acre-ft|m3|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Volume>{{cite web | title = Annual Report of Reservoir Regulation Activities - Summary for Calendar Year 2013 | publisher = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | date = March 2014 | url = http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Portals/29/13AnnualRep.pdf | accessdate = 2015-11-10 | archive-date = 2015-09-10 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150910075014/http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Portals/29/13AnnualRep.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref>

The streambed underlying the reservoir has an elevation of {{convert|1420|ft|m}}. Since the reservoir's initial flooding, sedimentation has gradually accumulated on the reservoir bottom thus raising its elevation.<ref name=Allocation/>

==Infrastructure==
Wilson Dam is an earth-fill ] with a foundation of rock and soil. It stands {{convert|130|ft|m}} tall and {{convert|5600|ft|m}} long.<ref name=KWO>{{cite web | title = Wilson Lake Reallocation Study | publisher = Kansas Water Office | url = http://www.kwo.org/projects_programs/Wilson_Lake_Reallocation_Study.html | accessdate = 2015-09-23}}</ref><ref name=KBS>{{cite web | title = Bathymetric and Sediment Survey of Wilson Lake Reservoir, Russell County, Kansas | publisher = Kansas Biological Survey | date = May 2009 | url = http://www.kwo.org/projects_programs/wilsonlake/wilson_final_report_revised_jan2010.pdf | accessdate = 2015-09-23}}</ref> At its crest, the dam has an elevation of {{convert|1592|ft|m}}.<ref name=Allocation>{{cite web | title = Wilson Model | publisher = Kansas Water Office | url = http://kwo.org/Projects/WilsonLake/24%20Feb_Model_Poster.pdf | accessdate = 2015-11-09}}</ref> An uncontrolled, {{convert|450|ft|m|adj=on}} ] is located at the southeast end of the dam. The dam's outlet works consist of one gated conduit {{convert|12|ft|m}} wide and {{convert|1097|ft|m}} long. When the reservoir is filled to maximum capacity, the spillway has a discharge capacity of {{convert|15700|cuft/s|m3/s}}. When it is filled to flood control capacity, the outlet works conduit has a discharge capacity of {{convert|6500|cuft/s|m3/s}}.<ref name=Volume/>

==Management==
The Kansas City District of the ] manages Wilson Dam, Wilson Lake, and {{convert|13000|acres|km2}} of land surrounding the reservoir for the purposes of flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife management, and downstream water quality improvement. Corps staff maintain the dam and outlet works, conduct dam safety inspections, and make water release changes to the Saline River outflow in accordance with the Kansas City Water District Control Section. They also provide visitor assistance, conduct park maintenance and patrolling, and perform wildlife food plot management. Operations such as trash removal, fee collection, and facility cleaning are outsourced to private contractors.<ref name=Learn/>

Of the land surrounding Wilson Lake, the Corps directly manages {{convert|3200|acres|km2}} and has licensed the ] to manage {{convert|8069|acres|km2}} of native prairie and cropland as the '''Wilson Wildlife Area'''.<ref name=Brochure/><ref name=WildlifeArea>{{cite web | title = Wilson Wildlife Area | publisher = Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism | url = http://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Wildlife-Areas/Northwest/Wilson | accessdate = 2015-09-28}}</ref> Management activities include prescribed burning, tree and native grass plantings, invasive species control, and agricultural leases. Fisheries management activities include fish sampling and stocking, population monitoring, habitat work, and aquatic vegetation enhancement.<ref name=Brochure/>

==Parks and recreation==
The Corps of Engineers manages three parks at Wilson Lake: Lucas Park, Minooka Park, and Sylvan Park.<ref name=Brochure/> Lucas Park is located on the north shore of the reservoir's eastern end and includes the Rocktown Natural Area. Minooka Park, named after the ] word for "good earth", lies on the south shore of the central part of the reservoir. Sylvan Park lies below Wilson Dam immediately northeast of the reservoir. Both Lucas Park and Minooka Park host swimming beaches and boat ramps. All three parks include hiking trails and camping facilities. The Corps of Engineers also operates a visitor center located below Wilson Dam near Sylvan Park.<ref name=CorpsMap>{{cite web | title = Wilson Lake, Kansas | publisher = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | url = http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Portals/29/docs/lakesites/wilson/Wilson-Lakemap.pdf | accessdate = 2015-09-23}}</ref>

The KDWP operates ] located on the south shore of the reservoir's eastern end.<ref name=CorpsMap/><ref>{{cite web | title = Wilson State Park | publisher = Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism | url = http://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Wilson | accessdate = 2015-09-23}}</ref> The park is divided into two areas by the reservoir's southeastern arm: the Hell Creek Area on the west side and the Otoe Area on the east side. The Hell Creek Area hosts a marina. Both areas include hiking trails, swimming beaches, boat ramps, and camping facilities.<ref name=CorpsMap/>

Wilson Lake is open to sport fishing. Hunting is permitted on the public land around the reservoir although it is restricted in certain areas.<ref name=Brochure/>

===Points of interest===
Rocktown Natural Area is a site comprising {{convert|305|acre|km2}} in Lucas Park. It is named for the ] pillars, ranging in height from {{convert|15|ft|m}} to {{convert|30|ft|m}}, that occupy its landscape. It is also home to a number of plant species uncommon to the region: Fremont's clematis, shortstem spiderwort, and Maryland senna among others.<ref name=Resources/>

Portions of the ] are exposed in multiple locations around the reservoir. They contain extensive fossil material dating back to the ] period.<ref name=Brochure/>

==Wildlife==
Fish species resident in Wilson Lake include ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=Fishing/><ref name=Brochure/> Two invasive species, the ] and the ], live in the lake as well. Game animals living on land around the reservoir include ]s, ], ]s, ], ]s, ], ]s, and ]s.<ref name=Brochure/>

Part of the Wilson Wildlife Area at the far western end of the lake is home to a concentration of several native ] species: ], ], ], ], ], sideoats gramma, and ].<ref name=Resources>{{cite web | title = Natural Resources | publisher = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | url = http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakes/WilsonLake/LearnAbouttheLake/History/NaturalResources.aspx | accessdate = 2015-09-23}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery class="center" widths="160px" heights="120px">
File:Hell Creek Bridge Wilson Lake KS.jpg|Hell Creek Bridge (2021)
File:Lake Wilson Marina KS.jpg|Lake Wilson Marina (2021)
File:Lucas Park Wilson Lake KS.jpg|Lucas Park (2021)
File:Minooka Park west view Wilson Lake KS.jpg|Westward lake view from Minooka Park (2021)
File:Rocktown Wilson Lake KS.jpg|Rocktown Natural Area (2021)
File:Sylvan Park Wilson Lake KS.jpg|Sylvan Park (2021)
File:Hell Creek arm Wilson Lake KS.jpg|Wilson State Park - Hell Creek Area (foreground) and Otoe Area (background right) (2021)
</gallery>

==See also==
* ]
* ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}}
*{{cite web | url={{Gnis3|472533}} | title=Wilson Lake | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=2006-07-07 }}
*{{cite web | url=http://reference.allrefer.com/gazetteer/W/W03540-wilson-lake.html | title=AllRefer.com - Wilson Lake, Kansas (KS) (Russell County) - (reservoir) - Facts and Information | accessdate=2006-07-07 }}
*{{cite web | url=http://www.kwo.org/WilsonLake.htm | title=Kansas Water Office | accessdate=2010-06-02 }}


==External links==
]
*, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
]
*, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
]
*, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
]


{{KS-Reservoirs}}
]
{{Authority control}}

]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 17:47, 25 January 2024

Reservoir in Russell and Lincoln counties in Kansas
Wilson Lake
Wilson Dam (1999)
Location of Wilson Lake in Kansas, USA.Location of Wilson Lake in Kansas, USA.Wilson LakeShow map of KansasLocation of Wilson Lake in Kansas, USA.Location of Wilson Lake in Kansas, USA.Wilson LakeShow map of the United States
KDOT map of Russell County (legend)
LocationRussell and Lincoln counties in Kansas
Coordinates38°56′25″N 98°33′24″W / 38.94028°N 98.55667°W / 38.94028; -98.55667
TypeReservoir
Primary inflowsSaline River
Primary outflowsSaline River
Catchment area1,917 sq mi (4,970 km)
Basin countriesUnited States
Managing agencyU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
BuiltApril 1961 (1961-04)
First floodedDecember 29, 1964 (1964-12-29)
Max. length24 miles (39 km)
Surface area9,045 acres (36.60 km)
Max. depth65 ft (20 m)
Water volumeFull: 242,528 acre⋅ft (299,154,000 m)
Current (Nov. 2015): 156,100 acre⋅ft (192,500,000 m)
Shore length100 mi (160 km)
Surface elevationFull: 1,516 ft (462 m)
Current (May. 2019): 1,523 ft (464 m)
SettlementsDorrance, Lucas, Sylvan Grove, Wilson
References
Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Wilson Lake is a reservoir in the U.S. state of Kansas, on the border of Russell County and Lincoln County. Built and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, it is also used for wildlife management and recreation. Several parks are located along its shoreline, including Wilson State Park.

History

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation authorized construction of Wilson Lake for the purposes of irrigation, navigation enhancement, flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and water quality assurance. However, the salinity of the water in the Saline River, which would feed the reservoir, made using it for irrigation unfeasible. The Bureau then turned over management and operation of the project to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps of Engineers planned, designed, and constructed Wilson Dam, completing it in 1964 at a cost of $20 million, and continues to manage the reservoir to the present day.

Geography

Wilson Lake is located at 38°56′25″N 98°33′24″W / 38.94028°N 98.55667°W / 38.94028; -98.55667 (38.9401464, -98.5567638) at an elevation of 1,516 feet (462 m). It lies in north-central Kansas in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains. Most of Wilson Lake lies in Russell County with a small portion of its southeastern arm extending into Lincoln County.

The reservoir is impounded at its northeastern end by Wilson Dam. The dam is located at 38°58′00″N 98°29′41″W / 38.96667°N 98.49472°W / 38.96667; -98.49472 (38.9666777, -98.4947876) at an elevation of 1,588 feet (484 m). The Saline River is both the reservoir's primary inflow from the west and outflow to the east. Smaller tributaries include Elm Creek, which flows from the south into the western part of the reservoir, and Hell Creek, which feeds the reservoir's southeastern arm.

Kansas Highway 232 runs generally north–south along the reservoir's eastern shore and across the top of Wilson Dam. Shoreline Road, a paved county road, runs generally east–west parallel to the southern shore, crossing the reservoir's southeastern arm.

Climate

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded at Wilson Lake was 111 °F (43.9 °C) on August 16, 1983, and June 21, 1988, while the coldest temperature recorded was −26 °F (−32.2 °C) on December 23, 1989.

Climate data for Wilson Lake, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1964–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 80
(27) 		86
(30) 		89
(32) 		100
(38) 		100
(38) 		111
(44) 		110
(43) 		111
(44) 		106
(41) 		97
(36) 		87
(31) 		79
(26) 		111
(44)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 66.1
(18.9) 		70.5
(21.4) 		79.8
(26.6) 		87.7
(30.9) 		92.5
(33.6) 		98.8
(37.1) 		103.3
(39.6) 		101.3
(38.5) 		96.9
(36.1) 		89.6
(32.0) 		76.2
(24.6) 		64.8
(18.2) 		104.2
(40.1)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 41.8
(5.4) 		45.9
(7.7) 		57.2
(14.0) 		66.5
(19.2) 		76.0
(24.4) 		86.8
(30.4) 		92.3
(33.5) 		89.9
(32.2) 		82.2
(27.9) 		69.8
(21.0) 		55.9
(13.3) 		43.9
(6.6) 		67.4
(19.6)
Daily mean °F (°C) 30.2
(−1.0) 		33.6
(0.9) 		43.8
(6.6) 		53.1
(11.7) 		63.8
(17.7) 		74.6
(23.7) 		79.8
(26.6) 		77.5
(25.3) 		69.1
(20.6) 		56.3
(13.5) 		43.3
(6.3) 		33.0
(0.6) 		54.8
(12.7)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 18.6
(−7.4) 		21.3
(−5.9) 		30.5
(−0.8) 		39.7
(4.3) 		51.5
(10.8) 		62.5
(16.9) 		67.3
(19.6) 		65.1
(18.4) 		56.1
(13.4) 		42.7
(5.9) 		30.7
(−0.7) 		22.1
(−5.5) 		42.3
(5.8)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 1.1
(−17.2) 		4.4
(−15.3) 		12.2
(−11.0) 		24.0
(−4.4) 		37.1
(2.8) 		49.6
(9.8) 		55.8
(13.2) 		54.5
(12.5) 		40.3
(4.6) 		24.9
(−3.9) 		13.9
(−10.1) 		5.6
(−14.7) 		−2.7
(−19.3)
Record low °F (°C) −15
(−26) 		−19
(−28) 		−5
(−21) 		12
(−11) 		27
(−3) 		38
(3) 		46
(8) 		45
(7) 		28
(−2) 		15
(−9) 		−5
(−21) 		−26
(−32) 		−26
(−32)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.59
(15) 		0.78
(20) 		1.29
(33) 		2.31
(59) 		4.17
(106) 		3.45
(88) 		3.87
(98) 		3.90
(99) 		2.28
(58) 		1.71
(43) 		0.98
(25) 		0.89
(23) 		26.22
(667)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 1.8
(4.6) 		3.7
(9.4) 		0.7
(1.8) 		0.4
(1.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.1
(0.25) 		0.4
(1.0) 		2.5
(6.4) 		9.6
(24.45)
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) 2.3
(5.8) 		3.7
(9.4) 		1.0
(2.5) 		0.4
(1.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.4
(1.0) 		1.9
(4.8) 		5.0
(13)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 2.8 3.8 5.0 7.9 10.3 9.2 8.8 8.4 6.8 5.7 3.6 3.3 75.6
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 1.2 1.6 0.4 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 1.2 4.8
Source 1: NOAA
Source 2: National Weather Service

Hydrography

The surface area, surface elevation, and water volume of the reservoir fluctuate based on inflow and local climatic conditions. In terms of capacity, the Corps of Engineers vertically divides the reservoir into a set of pools based on volume and water level, and the reservoir is considered full when filled to the capacity of its multi-purpose pool. When full, Wilson Lake has a surface area of 9,045 acres (36.60 km), a surface elevation of 1,516 feet (462 m), and a volume of 242,528 acre⋅ft (299,154,000 m). When filled to maximum capacity, it has a surface area of 33,882 acres (137.12 km), a surface elevation of 1,588 feet (484 m), and a volume of 1,666,995 acre⋅ft (2.056208×10 m).

The streambed underlying the reservoir has an elevation of 1,420 feet (430 m). Since the reservoir's initial flooding, sedimentation has gradually accumulated on the reservoir bottom thus raising its elevation.

Infrastructure

Wilson Dam is an earth-fill embankment dam with a foundation of rock and soil. It stands 130 feet (40 m) tall and 5,600 feet (1,700 m) long. At its crest, the dam has an elevation of 1,592 feet (485 m). An uncontrolled, 450-foot (140 m) spillway is located at the southeast end of the dam. The dam's outlet works consist of one gated conduit 12 feet (3.7 m) wide and 1,097 feet (334 m) long. When the reservoir is filled to maximum capacity, the spillway has a discharge capacity of 15,700 cubic feet per second (440 m/s). When it is filled to flood control capacity, the outlet works conduit has a discharge capacity of 6,500 cubic feet per second (180 m/s).

Management

The Kansas City District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages Wilson Dam, Wilson Lake, and 13,000 acres (53 km) of land surrounding the reservoir for the purposes of flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife management, and downstream water quality improvement. Corps staff maintain the dam and outlet works, conduct dam safety inspections, and make water release changes to the Saline River outflow in accordance with the Kansas City Water District Control Section. They also provide visitor assistance, conduct park maintenance and patrolling, and perform wildlife food plot management. Operations such as trash removal, fee collection, and facility cleaning are outsourced to private contractors.

Of the land surrounding Wilson Lake, the Corps directly manages 3,200 acres (13 km) and has licensed the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWP) to manage 8,069 acres (32.65 km) of native prairie and cropland as the Wilson Wildlife Area. Management activities include prescribed burning, tree and native grass plantings, invasive species control, and agricultural leases. Fisheries management activities include fish sampling and stocking, population monitoring, habitat work, and aquatic vegetation enhancement.

Parks and recreation

The Corps of Engineers manages three parks at Wilson Lake: Lucas Park, Minooka Park, and Sylvan Park. Lucas Park is located on the north shore of the reservoir's eastern end and includes the Rocktown Natural Area. Minooka Park, named after the Otoe word for "good earth", lies on the south shore of the central part of the reservoir. Sylvan Park lies below Wilson Dam immediately northeast of the reservoir. Both Lucas Park and Minooka Park host swimming beaches and boat ramps. All three parks include hiking trails and camping facilities. The Corps of Engineers also operates a visitor center located below Wilson Dam near Sylvan Park.

The KDWP operates Wilson State Park located on the south shore of the reservoir's eastern end. The park is divided into two areas by the reservoir's southeastern arm: the Hell Creek Area on the west side and the Otoe Area on the east side. The Hell Creek Area hosts a marina. Both areas include hiking trails, swimming beaches, boat ramps, and camping facilities.

Wilson Lake is open to sport fishing. Hunting is permitted on the public land around the reservoir although it is restricted in certain areas.

Points of interest

Rocktown Natural Area is a site comprising 305 acres (1.23 km) in Lucas Park. It is named for the sandstone pillars, ranging in height from 15 feet (4.6 m) to 30 feet (9.1 m), that occupy its landscape. It is also home to a number of plant species uncommon to the region: Fremont's clematis, shortstem spiderwort, and Maryland senna among others.

Portions of the Dakota Formation are exposed in multiple locations around the reservoir. They contain extensive fossil material dating back to the Cretaceous period.

Wildlife

Fish species resident in Wilson Lake include black bass, channel catfish, crappie, smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, and white bass. Two invasive species, the white perch and the zebra mussel, live in the lake as well. Game animals living on land around the reservoir include common pheasants, deer, ducks, geese, prairie chickens, quail, rabbits, and turkeys.

Part of the Wilson Wildlife Area at the far western end of the lake is home to a concentration of several native mixed grass prairie species: big bluestem, blue gramma, buffalo grass, Indian grass, little bluestem, sideoats gramma, and switchgrass.

Gallery

  • Hell Creek Bridge (2021) Hell Creek Bridge (2021)
  • Lake Wilson Marina (2021) Lake Wilson Marina (2021)
  • Lucas Park (2021) Lucas Park (2021)
  • Westward lake view from Minooka Park (2021) Westward lake view from Minooka Park (2021)
  • Rocktown Natural Area (2021) Rocktown Natural Area (2021)
  • Sylvan Park (2021) Sylvan Park (2021)
  • Wilson State Park - Hell Creek Area (foreground) and Otoe Area (background right) (2021) Wilson State Park - Hell Creek Area (foreground) and Otoe Area (background right) (2021)

See also

References

  1. ^ "Wilson Reservoir Fishing Information". Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
  2. ^ "Annual Report of Reservoir Regulation Activities - Summary for Calendar Year 2013" (PDF). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. March 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-10. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  3. ^ "USGS 06868100 Wilson Lake near Wilson, KS". U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
  4. ^ "Wilson Lake". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. October 13, 1978. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  5. ^ "2003-2004 Official Transportation Map" (PDF). Kansas Department of Transportation. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
  6. ^ "Learn About the Lake". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
  7. ^ "Wilson Lake Reallocation Study". Kansas Water Office. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
  8. ^ "Wilson Lake - The Clearest Lake in Kansas" (PDF). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-11-01. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
  9. ^ "General Highway Map - Russell County, Kansas". Kansas Department of Transportation. October 2010. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
  10. ^ "General Highway Map - Lincoln County, Kansas". Kansas Department of Transportation. May 2011. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
  11. "Wilson Dam". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
  12. ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Wichita". National Weather Service. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  13. "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Wilson Lake, KS". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  14. ^ "Wilson Model" (PDF). Kansas Water Office. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
  15. "Bathymetric and Sediment Survey of Wilson Lake Reservoir, Russell County, Kansas" (PDF). Kansas Biological Survey. May 2009. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
  16. "Wilson Wildlife Area". Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  17. ^ "Wilson Lake, Kansas [Map]" (PDF). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
  18. "Wilson State Park". Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Retrieved 2015-09-23.
  19. ^ "Natural Resources". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Retrieved 2015-09-23.

External links

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