Frd No 36 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Frd No 36, also known as Elk River WS Dam 36, is a significant earth dam located in Elk Falls, Kansas.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this dam was designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1974 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Elk River. With a height of 82 feet and a length of 1650 feet, Frd No 36 has a storage capacity of 8764 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock water supply, and recreation.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a satisfactory condition assessment and a significant hazard potential due to its size and location, Frd No 36 is subject to regular inspections and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam meets guidelines for emergency action plans and risk management measures, making it a crucial infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Situated within the Kansas City District, Frd No 36 plays a vital role in flood control and water supply for the Elk River watershed. With its uncontrolled spillway and buttress core design, this dam serves as a key infrastructure for mitigating flood risks, protecting downstream communities, and supporting various water-related activities in the area. As a significant earth dam in Kansas, Frd No 36 highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in ensuring the safety and resilience of critical infrastructure.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

1650

Dam Height

82

River Or Stream

ELK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

57.5

Hydraulic Height

82

Drainage Area

13.46

Nid Storage

8764

Structural Height

87

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

87
       
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.