Gsd No B-53 (Gc 18) is a flood risk reduction structure located in Valley Falls, Kansas, along Coal Creek-TR. Built in 1988 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 39.9 feet and has a length of 660 feet. With a storage capacity of 613 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.51 square miles, the dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the region.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Gsd No B-53 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and efficiency. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, the structure has not been assigned a risk management plan or undergone a formal risk assessment. With no emergency action plan in place, there is room for improvement in preparing for potential disasters.

Overall, Gsd No B-53 plays a crucial role in protecting the local community from flood events along Coal Creek-TR. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, there is an opportunity to advocate for the implementation of risk management measures, the development of an emergency action plan, and the enhancement of the dam's infrastructure to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in Atchison County, Kansas.