Frd No 18 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Frd No 18, also known as Wakarusa Watershed Dam 18, is a local government-owned structure in Osage County, Kansas, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.


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Summary

Completed in 1974, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Armstrong Branch of the river, with a height of 37 feet and a hydraulic height of 32 feet. With a storage capacity of 1460 acre-feet, Frd No 18 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area.

Situated in the city of Wakarusa, Kansas, Frd No 18 is a buttress-type dam with a length of 1130 feet and a spillway width of 80 feet. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not currently assessed for its condition, this dam remains an essential infrastructure for managing water resources and ensuring the safety of the surrounding community. As a key component of the flood risk reduction system in the region, Frd No 18 highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices for climate resilience.

While Frd No 18 has not been inspected recently and lacks an emergency action plan, its strategic location and design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service make it a significant asset for flood control efforts in Osage County. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of structures like Frd No 18 in safeguarding communities from the impacts of extreme weather events is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices and building climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

1130

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

ARMSTRONG BRANCH

Hydraulic Height

32

Nid Storage

1460

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
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.