Hwy 73 is a vital infrastructure in Atchison, Kansas, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the White Clay Creek-TR river. This earth dam stands at a height of 49 feet and spans 600 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet. While the dam's hazard potential is undetermined, its condition assessment is rated as satisfactory, ensuring its reliability in managing floodwaters.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Hwy 73 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam operates within acceptable risk levels, with a moderate risk assessment rating. With no associated structures and no outlet gates, Hwy 73's design and functionality focus solely on flood risk reduction, highlighting its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data behind Hwy 73 underscores the importance of infrastructure in mitigating natural disasters and safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events. With a focus on flood risk reduction and a satisfactory condition assessment, Hwy 73 stands as a key asset in Atchison's defense against potential flooding, showcasing the intersection of engineering, environmental, and regulatory factors in ensuring water resource sustainability and climate adaptation.