Frd No 38 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frd No 38, also known as Little Walnut Hickory WS Dam 38, is a locally owned flood risk reduction structure located in Douglas, Butler County, Kansas.


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Summary

Built in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a normal storage capacity of 25.4 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction along the South Branch Hickory Creek-TR, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 38 is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and is situated in a drainage area of 1.14 square miles. With a surface area of 8.9 acres and a storage capacity of 447.39 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Frd No 38 serves as a notable example of local government-led initiatives to mitigate flood risks and safeguard communities against natural disasters.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1295

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

SOUTH BRANCH HICKORY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.9

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

1.14

Nid Storage

447.39

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.