Frd No 21 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Frd No 21, also known as the City of Atchison Dam 21, is a significant flood risk reduction structure located in Atchison, Kansas.


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Summary

This dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, was completed in 1965 and stands at a height of 28.2 feet with a hydraulic height of 32 feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Frd No 21 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential water-related disasters.

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 21 is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 11 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 54 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 0.07 square miles along the White Clay Creek-TR. Despite its significant hazard potential, Frd No 21 has been assessed as satisfactory and continues to meet guidelines for emergency action preparedness.

With a spillway width of 40 feet and no associated locks, Frd No 21 serves as a vital component of the water resource management infrastructure in Atchison County. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the importance of structures like Frd No 21 in mitigating flood risks and protecting communities becomes increasingly apparent.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

28.2

River Or Stream

WHITE CLAY CREEK-TR

Surface Area

2.06

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

54

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
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.