Fries Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Farwell 4-70 Kenyon Farm Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Howard County, Nebraska, Fries Dam is a privately-owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1970.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. Standing at a height of 22 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet, Fries Dam has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Fries Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2019, the dam provides essential water resource management for the surrounding area. Situated along the TR-OAK CREEK river, Fries Dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage for agricultural and recreational activities in the region.
Owned by a private entity, Fries Dam is subject to state jurisdiction and permitting by the Nebraska DNR. With a maximum discharge capacity of 198 cubic feet per second, the dam helps mitigate flood risks and ensures water availability for various uses. The dam's association with the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlights its importance in sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
210 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-OAK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1.2 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Middle Loup R. At St. Paul
|
1310cfs |
South Loup R At St. Michael
|
200cfs |
North Loup River Nr St Paul Nebr
|
2580cfs |
Platte River Near Grand Island
|
1450cfs |
Warm Slough Nr Central City
|
0cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
928cfs |
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.
Fries Dam