Christensen Dam 197 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Farwell 4-70 Clausen Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Christensen Dam 197, located in Howard, Nebraska, was completed in 1970 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Built by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a hydraulic height of 14 feet, with a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Situated on TR-OAK CREEK, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing irrigation water for agricultural activities and ensuring a sustainable water supply for various uses. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures to guarantee public safety and environmental protection. With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a surface area of 2 acres, Christensen Dam 197 is a vital infrastructure asset contributing to the overall water management efforts in the area.
Managed by private owners, Christensen Dam 197 is a key component of the local water infrastructure, contributing to flood control, water supply, and ecological preservation efforts. With its modest size and design features, the dam reflects a balanced approach to water resource management, catering to the needs of the community while ensuring the sustainable use of water resources in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring and supporting the maintenance of dams like Christensen Dam 197 is essential to ensure a resilient and secure water supply for current and future generations.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-OAK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Loup R At St. Michael
|
200cfs |
Middle Loup R. At St. Paul
|
1310cfs |
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.
Christensen Dam 197