The Downs Protective Dike, also known as Waconda, is a federal-owned structure located in Osborne County, Kansas. Completed in 1968, this buttress dam stands at a height of 90 feet, with a hydraulic height of 46 feet and a length of 19,800 feet. Its primary purpose is to provide flood protection for the Solomon River offstream, with a maximum storage capacity of 1,129,000 acre-feet.

This high-hazard potential dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 241,500 acre-feet. Despite its importance, the Downs Protective Dike has not been rated for its condition and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). The structure is associated with another dam (KS00021S002) and has a designated inspection frequency of 3.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Downs Protective Dike a fascinating structure that exemplifies the intersection of infrastructure, hydrology, and environmental protection. Its presence in the picturesque landscape of Osborne County, Kansas, serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to manage and safeguard our water resources in the face of changing climate patterns.