Frank Smith Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Frank Smith is a private earth dam located in Pratt, Kansas, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1987 for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
With a height of 17 feet and a length of 620 feet, Frank Smith has a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock or small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. The dam is classified as low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment score of 3.
Owned privately, Frank Smith is not regulated by any state agency and has not been inspected or assessed for condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a drainage area of 0.46 square miles. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks emergency preparedness plans, its location and design contribute to its low hazard potential and overall risk assessment score. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Frank Smith presents an interesting case study of a privately owned dam built for flood risk reduction in rural Kansas.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
620 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
Unknown |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.46 |
Nid Storage |
122 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sf Ninnescah R Nr Pratt
|
9cfs |
Rattlesnake C Nr Macksville
|
1cfs |
Rattlesnake C Nr Zenith
|
13cfs |
Medicine Lodge R Nr Kiowa
|
110cfs |
Arkansas R Nr Larned
|
10cfs |
Nf Ninnescah R Ab Cheney Re
|
81cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Frank Smith