Frd No W-4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Frd No Gs 17 Frd No Gs W-6
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Frd No W-4, also known as Walnut Creek Watershed Dam W 4, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Padonia, Kansas.
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Summary
Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this dam is designed for flood risk reduction along the Walnut Creek-TR river. With a height of 35 feet and a storage capacity of 371.16 acre-feet, Frd No W-4 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area.
Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, this dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in a not-rated condition assessment. Despite its age, Frd No W-4 continues to serve its primary purpose effectively, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. With a spillway width of 40 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 297 cubic feet per second, this dam is equipped to handle potential flood events and protect the surrounding communities from water-related disasters.
Even though Frd No W-4 has not been inspected recently, it remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Brown County, Kansas. As climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the role of dams like Frd No W-4 in flood risk reduction becomes increasingly important. With proper maintenance and monitoring, this earth dam will continue to safeguard the local area from the impacts of flooding and contribute to sustainable water resource management practices.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
660 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
WALNUT CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9.63 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
2.06 |
Nid Storage |
371.16 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Nemaha River At Falls City
|
310cfs |
Missouri River At Rulo
|
24800cfs |
Delaware R Nr Muscotah
|
51cfs |
Turkey C Nr Seneca
|
24cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Tarkio River At Fairfax Mo
|
62cfs |
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 W-4