Frd No W-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Frd No W-1, also known as Walnut Creek Watershed Dam W 1, is a vital earth dam located in Brown County, Kansas, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 41 feet and has a storage capacity of 1273.58 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 74 acre-feet and a max discharge of 320 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Situated in the Walnut Creek watershed, Frd No W-1 is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level (3) and lacks a current condition assessment rating. It is worth noting that Frd No W-1 does not have an emergency action plan in place, raising concerns about its preparedness for potential emergencies.

With its uncontrolled spillway type and proximity to Padonia, Frd No W-1 serves as a critical infrastructure for flood control and water management in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor and advocate for the maintenance and safety of dams like Frd No W-1 to ensure the continued protection of communities and ecosystems from potential water-related disasters.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

WALNUT CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15.06

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

2.93

Nid Storage

1273.58

Structural Height

41

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

41
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.