Ken No. 1

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Ken No. 1 is a privately owned earth dam situated in Platte, Wyoming, designed for flood risk reduction along the Johnston Draw river. Completed in 1968, this dam stands at a height of 35 feet with a hydraulic height of 30 feet, serving a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition as of September 2017, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the region.

With a capacity to store 34 acre-feet of water, Ken No. 1 plays a crucial role in controlling water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and one other controlled outlet gate, underscoring its importance in managing water levels during periods of high precipitation. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections are conducted to assess its structural integrity and functionality, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard the community from potential hazards associated with dam failure.

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the proper maintenance and management of dams like Ken No. 1 are essential for ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in flood-prone areas. By addressing the poor condition of the dam and implementing necessary improvements, stakeholders can enhance its effectiveness in flood risk reduction and better protect the local environment and infrastructure from the potential impacts of flooding.