Frd No 53 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Frd No 53, located in Ness County, Kansas, is a crucial earth dam constructed in 1987 by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along Walnut Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 27 feet and a length of 3690 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 2380 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 9.58 square miles. Its spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 100 feet, and it has a low hazard potential.

Managed by the local government with oversight from the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 53 is in excellent condition and has a moderate risk rating. While it currently does not have a condition assessment or Emergency Action Plan in place, its risk management measures are effective in ensuring public safety. Despite being a non-USACE structure, Frd No 53 stands as a testament to effective collaboration between federal and state agencies in managing water resources for flood control in rural Kansas communities.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by Frd No 53's strategic placement along Walnut Creek, its efficient flood risk reduction capabilities, and the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies in its management. This earth dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, serves as a vital infrastructure project that protects the surrounding community from potential flooding events. Its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment highlight its importance in safeguarding local residents and infrastructure from the impacts of extreme weather events in the region.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

3690

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

WALNUT CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

57

Drainage Area

9.58

Nid Storage

2380

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.