Frd No 18 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Frd No 18, also known as the City of Atchison Dam 18, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Atchison, Kansas.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the White Clay Creek-TR river. With a height of 28.7 feet and a length of 850 feet, Frd No 18 has a normal storage capacity of 12 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 59 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 1.6 acres.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 18 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has not experienced any modifications over the years and operates without outlet gates. In case of emergencies, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, making it crucial for stakeholders to prepare for potential risks associated with the dam's operations.

Overall, Frd No 18 plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks in the Atchison area and highlights the collaborative efforts between local and state agencies to ensure the safety and integrity of water resource infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the regulatory processes, maintenance schedules, and emergency preparedness measures for dams like Frd No 18 is essential to safeguard communities and ecosystems from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

28.7

River Or Stream

WHITE CLAY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.6

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

0.05

Nid Storage

59

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
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.