Frd No 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Located in Elk County, Kansas, Frd No 3 is a local government-owned earth dam constructed in 1979 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This dam on Hickory Creek-TR has a height of 26.9 feet and a length of 1100 feet, providing a storage capacity of 924.4 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is state-regulated and inspected by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Frd No 3 serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 75.6 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1200 cubic feet per second. Despite not having outlet gates or a controlled spillway, the dam's uncontrolled spillway width of 40 feet helps to manage excess water during heavy rainfall events. The dam is designed to reduce the risk of flooding in the surrounding area and protect downstream communities from potential damage caused by high water levels.

As a key component of the flood risk reduction strategy in Oak Valley, Frd No 3 plays a vital role in safeguarding the local environment and community against the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change. The dam's design, construction, and regulatory oversight ensure that it continues to fulfill its purpose effectively, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices for resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

26.9

River Or Stream

HICKORY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21.8

Drainage Area

1.65

Nid Storage

924.4

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.