Frd No M-3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Frd No S-2 Frd No Gs 29
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Frd No M-3, also known as Walnut Creek Watershed Dam M 3, is a vital structure in the Brown County of Kansas, owned by the local government and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
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Summary
Completed in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Mulberry Creek-TR. With a storage capacity of 1747 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.94 square miles, Frd No M-3 plays a significant role in mitigating potential hazards and ensuring the safety of the surrounding communities.
Despite its fair condition assessment, Frd No M-3 is classified as having a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 400 feet and operates under the oversight of the Kansas City District. With a maximum discharge capacity of 13180 cubic feet per second, this structure is well-equipped to handle significant water flow during heavy rainfall events. As a crucial component of the local water resource infrastructure, Frd No M-3 continues to play a critical role in protecting lives and property from flooding risks in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering details of Frd No M-3, including its buttress core type and uncontrolled spillway design. The dam's location in Padonia, Kansas, highlights its strategic placement within the Walnut Creek Watershed for effective flood management. With a moderate risk assessment rating and a history of serving the community for over five decades, Frd No M-3 stands as a testament to the importance of proactive dam safety measures in safeguarding against natural disasters and ensuring sustainable water resource management.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
1215 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
MULBERRY CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26.23 |
Hydraulic Height |
46 |
Drainage Area |
3.94 |
Nid Storage |
1747 |
Structural Height |
52 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
52 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Nemaha River At Falls City
|
310cfs |
Missouri River At Rulo
|
26600cfs |
Turkey C Nr Seneca
|
14cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Delaware R Nr Muscotah
|
34cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
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.
Frd No M-3