Frd No W-4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frd No W-4, also known as Fall River Watershed Dam W 4, is a vital earth dam located in Eureka, Kansas, owned by the local government and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.


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Summary

Built in 1970 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Cat Creek, with a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment. With a height of 51.4 feet and a length of 2200 feet, Frd No W-4 has a storage capacity of 3220 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2450 cubic feet per second.

The dam's structure includes a buttress core type and an uncontrolled spillway type, with no outlet gates or associated structures. Despite its moderate risk assessment level, Frd No W-4 has not undergone any modifications in recent years and is inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality. Although the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place or inundation maps prepared, it meets regulatory guidelines and is equipped with emergency contacts for any potential incidents. Overall, Frd No W-4 stands as a crucial asset in managing flood risks and protecting the surrounding community in Butler County, Kansas.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

2200

Dam Height

51.4

River Or Stream

CAT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33.2

Hydraulic Height

52

Drainage Area

6.63

Nid Storage

3220

Structural Height

59

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

59
       
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.