Dd No 143 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Frd No 52 Dd No 5-15 (Goodman)
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Dd No 143, also known as Wet Walnut Watershed Dam No 143, is a local government-owned structure located in Ness, Kansas.
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Summary
Built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the South Fork Walnut Creek-TR. With a height of 38 feet and a hydraulic height of 29 feet, Dd No 143 has a normal storage capacity of 32.6 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 458.4 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 6.46 acres.
Managed by the Kansas Dept. of Agriculture, Dd No 143 is state-regulated and inspected for compliance. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is rated as not assessed for its condition. With a moderate risk level assigned, the structure does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place and the risk management measures are not specified. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 100 feet, ensures proper water discharge during high flow events, contributing to the overall safety and functionality of the dam for the surrounding area.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed information available for Dd No 143, providing insights into its design, construction, and regulatory oversight. As part of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in Ness, Kansas, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the local community from potential flooding events. With its historic completion in 1975 and ongoing state-regulated inspections, Dd No 143 stands as a testament to the importance of effective water resource management in mitigating natural hazards and ensuring public safety.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
1080 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK WALNUT CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.46 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
2.23 |
Nid Storage |
458.4 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smoky Hill R Nr Arnold
|
1cfs |
Pawnee R Nr Burdett
|
0cfs |
Walnut C At Nekoma
|
4cfs |
Smoky Hill R At Elkader
|
0cfs |
Pawnee R At Rozel
|
3cfs |
Saline R Nr Wakeeney
|
6cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Dd No 143