Frd No 8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frd No 8, also known as Silver Creek Watershed Dam 8, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Chase County, Kansas.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this dam was designed for flood risk reduction along the Cottonwood River. With a dam height of 38 feet and a storage capacity of 530 acre-feet, Frd No 8 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 8 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 160 cubic feet per second.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic location and design of Frd No 8, which serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control in the region. As part of the Silver Creek Watershed system, this dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in the area, safeguarding communities and agricultural lands from the impacts of extreme weather events. The collaboration between local government, state agencies, and federal designers highlights the importance of multi-level partnerships in ensuring the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1010

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

COTTONWOOD RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.5

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

1.54

Nid Storage

530

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
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.