Dd No 117, also known as Sand Creek Watershed Dam No 117, is a local government-owned structure located in Newton, Kansas. Constructed in 1976 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Sand Creek-TR river or stream. With a dam height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 18 feet, Dd No 117 has a storage capacity of 162.08 acre-feet and a normal storage of 6.5 acre-feet.

Despite being classified with a low hazard potential, Dd No 117 poses a moderate risk due to its condition being unrated. The dam spans 1380 feet in length and covers a surface area of 2.79 acres, serving a drainage area of 0.38 square miles. With a maximum discharge capacity of 432 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway width of 80 feet, Dd No 117 remains a vital structure in mitigating flood risks in the Harvey County region. While it has not been inspected recently, this dam continues to play a crucial role in the local water resource management system.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of structures like Dd No 117 in safeguarding communities against flooding events. With its strategic location and design, this dam symbolizes the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and federal entities in enhancing flood risk reduction measures. Moving forward, continuous monitoring and evaluation of Dd No 117's condition and risk factors will be pivotal in ensuring its long-term effectiveness in protecting the surrounding areas from potential water-related hazards.