Marsh Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Marsh Dam, located in Richardson County, Nebraska, was completed in 2004 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along Contrary Creek.


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Summary

This privately owned Earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 488 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2016.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Marsh Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. Despite its relatively small surface area of 1 acre and drainage area of 0.1 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With its stone core and soil foundation, Marsh Dam exemplifies the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

2004

Dam Length

488

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-CONTRARY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

18

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.