Frd No 37 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frd No 37, also known as Little Walnut Hickory WS Dam 37, is a vital structure located in Butler County, Kansas, specifically in the city of Douglass.


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Summary

Built in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 29.2 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction. With a maximum storage capacity of 1129.9 acre-feet and a normal storage of 89.5 acre-feet, Frd No 37 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by the local government, this dam is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and is subject to state inspections and enforcement. The hydraulic height of the dam is 26 feet, with a structural height of 29 feet and a length of 1680 feet. Despite its low hazard potential, Frd No 37 is considered to have moderate risk with a risk assessment rating of 3. Although the condition of the dam is not rated, it is essential for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes in addition to its flood risk reduction function.

With a drainage area of 3.43 square miles and a maximum discharge of 875 cubic feet per second, Frd No 37 plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the South Branch Hickory Creek-TR stream. While the dam does not have outlet gates, its spillway width of 60 feet allows for controlled release of excess water during heavy rainfall events. Overall, Frd No 37 is a key piece of infrastructure in Butler County, Kansas, serving multiple purposes and ensuring the safety and protection of the surrounding community from potential flooding risks.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1680

Dam Height

29.2

River Or Stream

SOUTH BRANCH HICKORY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21.5

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

3.43

Nid Storage

1129.9

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.