Frd No 7 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frd No 7, also known as Salt Creek WS Joint District No 46, is a flood risk reduction structure located in Mitchell, Kansas.


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Summary

Built in 1977 by USDA NRCS, this buttress-type dam stands at 36 feet high with a hydraulic height of 31 feet and a length of 1400 feet. With a storage capacity of 822 acre-feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the West Branch Third Creek.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 7 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. Despite its low hazard potential, the condition of the structure is currently not rated, with the last inspection conducted in 2008. Additionally, the dam does not have an emergency action plan in place, raising concerns about its readiness in case of a potential disaster. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Frd No 7 an intriguing example of a local government-owned flood control structure in Kansas.

In the event of heavy rainfall or flooding in the area, it is vital for local authorities to ensure the safety and functionality of Frd No 7 to protect the surrounding communities. With its historical significance and role in flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a beacon of resilience against natural disasters in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding and monitoring structures like Frd No 7 becomes increasingly important for sustainable water management practices in Kansas.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

1400

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

WEST BRANCH THIRD CREEK

Hydraulic Height

31

Nid Storage

822

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
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.