Located in Vermillion, Kansas, Frd No 38, also known as Upper Black Vermillion WS Site 38, is a local government-owned earth dam designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Completed in 1977, this dam stands at 36 feet high with a hydraulic height of 33 feet and a length of 715 feet. With a storage capacity of 247.92 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.61 acres, Frd No 38 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 38 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level (3). While not currently rated for condition assessment, Frd No 38 remains an essential infrastructure for flood control in the Nemaha County area, serving as a vital resource for water management and climate resilience efforts.

With its uncontrolled spillway and lack of outlet gates, Frd No 38 relies on its design and construction to effectively manage floodwaters and protect the Black Vermillion River-TR. Although not federally funded or operated, this dam stands as a testament to local government collaboration and the importance of water resource infrastructure in mitigating natural disasters and safeguarding communities against the impacts of climate change.