Frd No 27 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Frd No 27, also known as Big Caney Watershed Dam 27, is a crucial infrastructure within the water management system of Chautauqua, Kansas.


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Summary

Built in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 47 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Squaw Creek. With a storage capacity of 962.17 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1056 cubic feet per second, Frd No 27 plays a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Located in Cedarvale, Kansas, Frd No 27 is owned and regulated by the local government, with the Kansas Department of Agriculture overseeing its state jurisdiction. The dam, with a low hazard potential, has not been rated for its condition assessment but is considered to have a moderate risk level. Despite not having outlet gates, the structure has an uncontrolled spillway width of 80 feet, enabling effective water release during high flow events. With a surface area of 15.66 acres and a drainage area of 2.87 square miles, Frd No 27 stands as a critical asset in managing water resources and climate impacts in the region, ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

990

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

SQUAW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15.66

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

2.87

Nid Storage

962.17

Structural Height

47

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

47
       
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.