Frd No W-4, also known as Walnut Creek Watershed Dam W 4, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Padonia, Kansas. 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.