Frd No 28 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frd No 28, also known as Little Walnut Hickory WS Dam 28, is a local government-owned earth dam in Butler County, Kansas.


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Summary

Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this structure serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Stony Branch Hickory Creek. Standing at a height of 31 feet with a hydraulic height of 28 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1517.6 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 19.9 acres.

The dam, located in Douglass, Kansas, has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. With a moderate risk level of 3, the dam is regulated, inspected, and permitted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Although the emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are currently unknown, the dam's uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet can handle a maximum discharge of 229 cubic feet per second.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Frd No 28 to be an interesting case study in flood risk reduction infrastructure in Kansas. The dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service showcase the importance of earth dams in managing water flow and protecting communities from potential flooding events. With its location in a high-risk area along the Stony Branch Hickory Creek, the dam's role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring public safety is crucial for the surrounding region in Butler County.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

1435

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

STONY BRANCH HICKORY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19.9

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

3.26

Nid Storage

1517.6

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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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.