Bellwood 4-K Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Bellwood 4-K is a significant earth dam located in Butler, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1965 for flood risk reduction along the Meysenburg Ravine.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 31 feet, this dam serves a crucial purpose in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles, Bellwood 4-K plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Bellwood 4-K undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2018, this dam continues to provide essential flood protection to the community. The dam's spillway type, width, and other details are not specified, but its last inspection date and inspection frequency indicate a commitment to proactive maintenance and risk management.

As an integral part of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in Butler County, Nebraska, Bellwood 4-K stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the USDA NRCS, the local government, and the state regulatory agencies. Its strategic location, design features, and storage capacity contribute to the effective management of water resources and the protection of nearby communities from potential flooding events. With a history of satisfactory performance and ongoing regulatory oversight, Bellwood 4-K exemplifies the importance of proactive dam management in safeguarding against climate-related risks.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

352

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

MEYSENBURG RAVINE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

100

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.