Mcfee Road Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mcfee Road Dam, located in Chappell, Nebraska, is a crucial structure owned by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Built in 1993 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 16.6 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the TR-Lodgepole Creek. With a storage capacity of 93.6 acre-feet and a low hazard potential, Mcfee Road Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.

The dam's design and construction were overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, ensuring its structural integrity and adherence to state regulatory standards. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, regular inspections are conducted every five years to monitor its performance and safety. Despite its low hazard potential, Mcfee Road Dam remains a key component in the flood risk management strategy for Deuel County, Nebraska, providing essential protection to the local community and infrastructure against potential water-related disasters.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the significance of infrastructure like Mcfee Road Dam in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. By understanding the dam's purpose, design features, and regulatory oversight, enthusiasts can appreciate the critical role it plays in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the resilience of water resources in the region. It serves as a prime example of how effective engineering solutions can contribute to sustainable water management practices and climate adaptation efforts in vulnerable areas like Deuel County, Nebraska.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

1041

Dam Height

16.6

River Or Stream

TR-LODGEPOLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.22

Hydraulic Height

16.6

Drainage Area

2.18

Nid Storage

93.6

Structural Height

16.6

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.