Frd No 15 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frd No 15, also known as Upper Walnut WS Joint District No 33, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Butler County, Kansas.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and was completed in 1979. With a normal storage capacity of 152 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1552 cubic feet per second, Frd No 15 plays a significant role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 15 is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of condition assessment. While it has not undergone a recent inspection or assessment, the structure meets moderate risk management guidelines, highlighting its importance in mitigating potential flooding risks in the region.

Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and lack of outlet gates, Frd No 15 serves as a critical infrastructure to protect the surrounding areas from flooding events. With its strategic location on Cole Creek-TR and its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding water resources and climate resilience in Butler County, Kansas.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

2090

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

COLE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

49.94

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

5.1

Nid Storage

2256.85

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.