Frd No 21 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frd No 21, also known as Little Walnut Hickory WS Dam 21, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Leon, Butler County, Kansas.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a hydraulic height of 29 feet. With a storage capacity of 1511 acre-feet and a spillway width of 100 feet, Frd No 21 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, this dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Frd No 21 is considered to have a moderate risk level. With its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a key component in safeguarding the local community and infrastructure from the impacts of extreme weather events. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and regulatory efforts that go into maintaining structures like Frd No 21 to protect against flooding and ensure public safety.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1750

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

SO BR LITTLE WALNUT RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

118

Hydraulic Height

29

Nid Storage

1511

Structural Height

32

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.