Frd No 15 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Frd No 15, also known as the City of Atchison Dam 15, is a local government-owned structure located in Atchison, Kansas.


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Summary

Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the White Clay Creek-TR. With a normal storage capacity of 41 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 246 acre-feet, Frd No 15 covers a surface area of 6.2 acres and has a drainage area of 0.22 square miles.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 15 is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition. With a spillway width of 30 feet and no outlet gates, this structure plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam has undergone three inspections in the past, with the last one conducted in December 2016.

Located within the Rock Island District, Frd No 15 is an integral part of the local water resource infrastructure. Its presence not only helps to reduce flood risks in the area but also contributes to the overall water management efforts. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Frd No 15 play a vital role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the challenges posed by extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

980

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

WHITE CLAY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.2

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

0.22

Nid Storage

246

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
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.