Frd No 12, also known as Little Walnut Hickory WS Dam 12, is a critical water resource infrastructure located in Leon, Butler County, Kansas. This earth dam, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1971, stands at a height of 35.3 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction on the North Branch Little Walnut River. With a storage capacity of 352.63 acre-feet and a normal storage of 60.92 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential flooding in the area.

Owned and regulated by the local government and the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 12 is classified as a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam's spillway, with a width of 40 feet, is uncontrolled, and there are no outlet gates associated with the structure. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," indicating the need for further evaluation and potential maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.

As a key component of the water management system in Butler County, Frd No 12 provides essential protection to the surrounding community by reducing the risk of flooding during periods of high water flow. With its strategic location on the North Branch Little Walnut River, this dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure designed to safeguard the local area from potential water-related disasters. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Frd No 12 to be an intriguing case study in water infrastructure management and flood risk reduction efforts in Kansas.