Frd No W-5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Frd No Gs 23 Frd No Gs 31
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Frd No W-5, also known as Walnut Creek Watershed Dam W 5, is a vital structure located in Brown County, Kansas, owned by the local government.
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Summary
This earth dam, designed by USDA NRCS, serves primarily for flood risk reduction along Walnut Creek, with a height of 40.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 38 feet. Completed in 1963, it has a storage capacity of 2601 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 57 acres, helping to control debris and manage flood risks in the area.
This significant dam, regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding communities from potential hazards. With a fair condition assessment and a moderate risk level, it undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Despite its age, Frd No W-5 continues to be a key component in the local water resource management efforts, showcasing the importance of sustainable infrastructure for climate resilience in the region.
Given its strategic location and purpose, Frd No W-5 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between government agencies and the community to mitigate flood risks and safeguard water resources. With its uncontrolled spillway and significant hazard potential, this dam remains a critical asset in the overall risk management strategy, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term effectiveness in protecting the area from potential disasters related to water and climate variability.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1360 |
Dam Height |
40.5 |
River Or Stream |
WALNUT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
57 |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Drainage Area |
7.33 |
Nid Storage |
2601 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
41 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Nemaha River At Falls City
|
310cfs |
Missouri River At Rulo
|
26000cfs |
Delaware R Nr Muscotah
|
14cfs |
Turkey C Nr Seneca
|
13cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Stranger C Nr Potter
|
199cfs |
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-5