Frd No 52, also known as Upper Black Vermillion WS Site 52, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Vermillion, Kansas. Built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a flood risk reduction structure along the Black Vermillion River. With a height of 34 feet and a length of 1250 feet, Frd No 52 has a storage capacity of 645.1 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 88.71 acre-feet.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, this dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safe operation. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While its condition is currently not rated, Frd No 52 has not undergone any modifications since its construction. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway of the dam has a width of 100 feet to handle excess water flow during heavy rainfall events.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering and design details of Frd No 52, as well as the efforts put in by local and state agencies to ensure its functionality and safety. With its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow along the Black Vermillion River and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Its location, design specifications, and regulatory oversight make Frd No 52 a noteworthy structure in the water resource management landscape of Kansas.