Frd No 15 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Frd No 15, also known as Big Caney Watershed Dam 15, is a significant earth dam located in Cedar Vale, Kansas.


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Summary

Constructed in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the Cedar Creek-TR watershed. With a structural height of 46 feet and a length of 1100 feet, Frd No 15 has a storage capacity of 810 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 88 acre-feet.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 15 is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. Despite not having a current condition assessment, Frd No 15 remains a key infrastructure for water resource management in Cowley County, Kansas.

Overall, Frd No 15 stands as a vital flood control structure in the Big Caney Watershed, contributing to the protection of surrounding communities and agricultural lands. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of Frd No 15 will be essential in safeguarding the area from potential flood events.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

CEDAR CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.32

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

2.14

Nid Storage

810

Structural Height

46

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

46
       
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.