Frd No 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frd No 5 is a flood risk reduction structure located in Cowley, Kansas, along Coon Creek.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet with a NID storage capacity of 1550 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential water disasters. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Frd No 5 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Constructed by the USDA NRCS, Frd No 5 is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway that is 80 feet wide. Despite not having a dam length or volume specified, the structure covers a surface area of 41 acres and drains a 4.01 square mile watershed. Even though its condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," Frd No 5 meets state inspection standards and operates under the supervision of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2374 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow along Coon Creek and reducing the risk of flooding in the Rock city area.

Overall, Frd No 5 stands as a vital water resource infrastructure in Kansas, effectively mitigating flood risks and safeguarding the local community from water-related emergencies. With its well-maintained operations, state regulatory compliance, and moderate risk management measures in place, this earth dam serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate control will find Frd No 5 to be an intriguing case study in effective flood risk reduction infrastructure.

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

COON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

41

Drainage Area

4.01

Nid Storage

1550

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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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.