Barry Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Barry Dam, located in Saunders County, Nebraska, was completed in 1958 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Duck Creek.


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Summary

This private Earth-type dam stands at 19 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 16 feet and spans 488 feet in length. The dam has a storage capacity of 76.8 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 10.7 acre-feet on its 3.9-acre surface area, serving a drainage area of 0.23 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Barry Dam's condition assessment in 2017 reported poor conditions, raising concerns about its structural integrity. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. However, with a history of limited maintenance and a lack of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), the dam poses a potential risk to downstream communities in case of failure. Efforts to address the dam's condition and ensure public safety should be a priority for stakeholders involved in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

488

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-DUCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.9

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

76.8

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.