Rolfsmeier Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rolfsmeier Dam 1, located in Seward County, Nebraska, is a private earth dam built in 1953 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 19 feet with a length of 740 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 278 acre-feet and a surface area of 27 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently rated as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in June 2017.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NE DNR), Rolfsmeier Dam 1 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The dam is situated on Shadley Vale Creek, a tributary in the area, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With a maximum discharge capacity of 752 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management for the surrounding agricultural lands.

As a significant infrastructure for irrigation in the region, Rolfsmeier Dam 1 serves as a vital water resource for sustaining agricultural activities in the area. With ongoing monitoring and maintenance, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam for the community it serves, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

740

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

SHADLEY VALE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

278

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.