Frd No 16 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Frd No 16, also known as Big Caney Watershed Dam 16, is a local government-owned structure in Cedar Vale, Kansas.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this buttress dam stands at a height of 57 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Cedar Creek. With a normal storage capacity of 253 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 4092 cubic feet per second, Frd No 16 plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region.

Located in Cowley County, Frd No 16 covers a surface area of 34.49 acres and has a drainage area of 6.9 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential and not being currently rated for condition assessment, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. While no emergency action plan has been prepared or updated for Frd No 16, it remains an essential infrastructure for mitigating flood risks in the area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design and functionality of structures like Frd No 16 is vital for managing water resources effectively. With its historical significance in flood risk reduction and its role in protecting the surrounding community, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring water infrastructure for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1615

Dam Height

57

River Or Stream

CEDAR CREEK

Surface Area

34.49

Hydraulic Height

54

Drainage Area

6.9

Nid Storage

2899.52

Structural Height

57

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

57
       
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.