Carol Joy Holling Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Located in Cass, Nebraska, the Carol Joy Holling Dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management and climate resilience.


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Summary

Completed in 1981, this privately owned earth dam serves primarily for recreation, boasting a height of 29 feet and a storage capacity of 188 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1860 cubic feet per second, the dam ensures the safety and enjoyment of visitors while also contributing to the ecological health of the TR-Salt Creek.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential but maintains a satisfactory condition, according to its last inspection in June 2019. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet regulatory standards with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place. Its strategic location near South Bend and its role in protecting the surrounding drainage area of 0.88 square miles further highlight the critical importance of this structure in safeguarding against potential flooding events.

With Congress Representative Jeff Fortenberry overseeing the area, the Carol Joy Holling Dam represents a harmonious blend of human intervention and environmental stewardship. Its stone core and soil foundation reflect a commitment to sustainability, while its recreational purpose invites the community to appreciate and interact with their natural surroundings. As climate change continues to pose challenges for water resources, this dam serves as a beacon of resilience and proactive conservation efforts in the heart of Nebraska's landscape.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

306

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.88

Nid Storage

188

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.