Frd No 51 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Frd No 51, located in Ness City, Kansas, is a vital flood risk reduction structure built in 1987 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 45 feet and spans a length of 2422 feet, with a storage capacity of 8834 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 51 is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk assessment and management measures. With a spillway width of 500 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 8704 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to handle high water flow during peak periods.

Overall, Frd No 51 serves as a key infrastructure asset in safeguarding the local community and environment from the impacts of flooding, demonstrating the critical role of water resource management in climate resilience efforts. Its design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a commitment to sustainable water management practices, ensuring the long-term protection of the area against potential flood events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Frd No 51 is essential in promoting the sustainable management of water resources and enhancing climate adaptation efforts.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

2422

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

MIDDLE FORK WALNUT CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

128.1

Drainage Area

95.7

Nid Storage

8834

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

45
       
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.