Frd No 78 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located in Frankfort, Kansas, Frd No 78 is an earth dam designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1990 for flood risk reduction along the North Fork Black Vermillion River.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 33 feet and stretches 800 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 403 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 93.7 acre-feet on its 15.2-acre surface area. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Frd No 78 is regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and undergoes regular state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Managed by the local government, Frd No 78 serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk mitigation in Nemaha County, Kansas. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and is situated within the jurisdiction of the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite not having outlet gates, associated structures, or a current condition assessment rating, Frd No 78 is considered a key component in the region's water resource management efforts.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the role of Frd No 78 in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events and its contribution to overall water infrastructure resilience. With its primary purpose focused on flood risk reduction, this earth dam showcases the collaborative efforts between federal agencies, state regulators, and local governments to ensure the safety and protection of communities along the North Fork Black Vermillion River. The detailed information provided about Frd No 78's construction, storage capacity, risk assessment, and regulatory oversight highlights its significance in maintaining water security and addressing climate-related challenges in the region.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

N FORK BLACK VERMILLION RV-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15.2

Drainage Area

0.95

Nid Storage

403

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

33
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.