Frd No 16, also known as Upper Walnut WS Joint District No 33, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Butler County, Kansas. Constructed in 1976 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Cole Creek. With a structural height of 26 feet and a length of 1525 feet, Frd No 16 has a storage capacity of 1476.38 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 63 feet.

The dam is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and is classified as having a low hazard potential. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the condition of Frd No 16 is currently not rated, highlighting the need for further assessment and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in flood risk management. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and no outlet gates, indicating its reliance on natural overflow mechanisms during high water events.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the maintenance and monitoring of infrastructure like Frd No 16 becomes crucial in protecting communities from potential flooding. With its strategic location and design elements, this dam plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks along the Cole Creek and underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of a changing climate.