Harms Skalka Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Harms Skalka Dam, located in Clay County, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1950 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 13.7 meters and a length of 310 meters, the dam has a storage capacity of 99.8 acre-feet and serves the surrounding area with a normal storage of 47 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to provide essential water resources for fire protection and livestock while also supporting small fish populations.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential rehabilitation efforts. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a drainage area of 1.44 square kilometers and a maximum discharge of 26 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and mitigating potential flood risks.
As an essential infrastructure for water resource management in Nebraska, Harms Skalka Dam serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem and supports the agricultural and environmental needs of the area. With its key role in fire protection, livestock support, and small fish pond management, the dam plays a critical function in sustaining water availability and ensuring the community's resilience to climate challenges. Ongoing maintenance and monitoring will be crucial to preserving the dam's effectiveness and safeguarding its long-term functionality for future generations.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
310 |
Dam Height |
13.7 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BUFFALO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.7 |
Drainage Area |
1.44 |
Nid Storage |
99.8 |
Structural Height |
13.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Harms Skalka Dam