Frd No 39 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Frd No 39, also known as Elk River WS Joint District No 47, is a flood risk reduction structure located in Elk Falls, Kansas.


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Summary

Built in 1977 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 37 feet high and spans 1730 feet in length, with a capacity to store 632.35 acre-feet of water. The primary purpose of Frd No 39 is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation by the Elk River.

Managed by the Kansas City District of the USACE, Frd No 39 is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. Although not currently rated in terms of condition assessment, Frd No 39 remains a key component of the local water resource infrastructure, safeguarding the community against potential flooding events.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

1730

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

ELK RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.47

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

1.89

Nid Storage

632.35

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

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.