Frd No 17 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Butler, Kansas, Frd No 17, also known as Little Walnut Hickory WS Dam 17, was completed in 1966 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 28 feet in height with a hydraulic height of 25 feet, providing storage of 875 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 17.68 acres. The dam is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and efficacy in managing floodwaters.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Frd No 17 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 397 cubic feet per second. Despite not having outlet gates, the dam has been designed to effectively manage water flow and reduce the risk of flooding in the region. The structure is situated along the No Branch of the Little Walnut River-TR, providing essential flood risk reduction benefits to the community of Leon and beyond.

As a key component of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in the area, Frd No 17 serves as a testament to the importance of effective water resource management in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events and climate variability. With its design and construction overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam continues to uphold its primary purpose of safeguarding the community against flooding. Through regulatory oversight, regular inspections, and risk assessments, Frd No 17 remains a reliable and essential asset in the effort to protect the region from the potential dangers of high water levels and inundation.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

NO BR LITTLE WALNUT RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.68

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

2.22

Nid Storage

875

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.