Frd No 31, also known as Salt Creek Watershed Dam 31, is a crucial structure located in Barnard, Kansas, within the Rattlesnake Creek watershed. Completed in 1972, this earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the area. With a maximum storage capacity of 464.28 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 86 acre-feet, this dam plays a vital role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 31 is designated as a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet and has a drainage area of 1.48 square miles. Despite being in operation for nearly five decades, the condition assessment of Frd No 31 is currently listed as "Not Rated," highlighting the need for further evaluation and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Frd No 31 as a critical infrastructure component in managing the flow of water in the Rattlesnake Creek watershed. As efforts continue to monitor and maintain the dam, it remains a key piece of the puzzle in safeguarding the community against potential flood events and ensuring the sustainable management of water resources in the region.