Frd No 38 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Wabaunsee Dam Dd No 39
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Frd No 38 is a vital earth dam located in McFarland, Kansas, designed by King & Associates and completed in 1987.
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Summary
This dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along the East Branch Mill Creek-TR, helping to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation. With a dam height of 43 feet and a storage capacity of 390 acre-feet, Frd No 38 serves as a key infrastructure for managing water resources in Wabaunsee County.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Frd No 38 has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its importance in protecting the community from flooding, the condition of the dam has not been officially rated, and no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated. However, the dam's design and construction meet regulatory standards, ensuring its effectiveness in flood risk reduction for the area.
With its uncontrolled spillway and a surface area of 9.4 acres, Frd No 38 serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in Wabaunsee County. Its strategic location and design by King & Associates demonstrate the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure to protect communities from the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
EAST BRANCH MILL CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9.4 |
Drainage Area |
1.02 |
Nid Storage |
390 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mill C Nr Paxico
|
44cfs |
Kansas R Nr Belvue
|
1440cfs |
Kansas R At Wamego
|
1600cfs |
Neosho R At Council Grove
|
4cfs |
Kings C Nr Manhattan
|
0cfs |
Rock C Nr Louisville
|
16cfs |
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.
Frd No 38