Summary
Francis, Kansas, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1974 for flood risk reduction along Buffalo Creek. This structure, designed by the USDA NRCS, stands at a height of 17 feet with a hydraulic height of 16 feet, spanning a length of 690 feet and storing a maximum of 173 acre-feet of water. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a vital infrastructure in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Herman Fritzler Ec #1 is regulated, inspected, and enforced for safety compliance, with a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment. The dam's spillway, with a width of 140 feet, is designed as uncontrolled, allowing for the controlled release of excess water during high flow events. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years and has a regular inspection frequency to ensure its continued functionality and safety.
With a strong foundation and structural integrity, Herman Fritzler Ec #1 serves as a crucial infrastructure in the region's water resource management, providing flood protection and water storage capabilities. As a key component in the Colorado water management system, this earth dam plays a significant role in mitigating flood risks and maintaining water security for the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
690 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
BUFFALO CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
173 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Herman Fritzler Ec #1