Frd No 46 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Frd No 46, also known as Elk River WS Joint District No 47, is a flood risk reduction dam located in Elk Falls, Kansas.


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Summary

Constructed in 1976 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 70 feet and has a hydraulic height of 63 feet. With a storage capacity of 7084.66 acre-feet and a normal storage of 855 acre-feet, Frd No 46 plays a crucial role in managing the flood risk along the Mound Branch Elk River.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 46 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its proper functioning and safety. While the dam has a low hazard potential, it is categorized as having a moderate risk level (3), highlighting the importance of ongoing risk assessment and management measures. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, Frd No 46 continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction for the surrounding area, showcasing the collaboration between local government agencies and federal entities like the Natural Resources Conservation Service in safeguarding water resources and climate resilience in Elk County, Kansas.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

70

River Or Stream

MOUND BRANCH ELK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

89.07

Hydraulic Height

63

Drainage Area

19.77

Nid Storage

7084.66

Structural Height

70

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

70
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.