Frd No 38

SOUTH BRANCH-ELK RIVER· Elk, Kansas· Built 1977· Earth· 50 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Frd No 38 is classified as significant hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 50 ft (taller than 97.5% in KS)
Dam Length2,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage216 acre-ft
Surface Area29 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)
NID IDKS04341

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: February 19, 2024
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KS Dept. of Agriculture

Ownership

ELK RIVER WJD NO 47

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Frd No 38?

Frd No 38 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Frd No 38?

Frd No 38 is owned by ELK RIVER WJD NO 47 (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Frd No 38 built?

Frd No 38 was completed in 1977, making it 49 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Frd No 38?

Frd No 38 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Frd No 38?

Frd No 38 has a dam height of 50 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Frd No 38 last inspected?

Frd No 38 was last inspected on February 19, 2024. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.