Roberts Dam 254 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Chapek Dam Kavan Dam 1
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Roberts Dam 254, located in Saunders County, Nebraska, is a privately-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks along the TR-Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and improvements.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Roberts Dam 254 plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 0.2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 111 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the region. Although the dam has a limited surface area of 4 acres, its impact on flood risk reduction and water storage is significant within its operational capacity.
The dam's primary purpose, beyond flood risk reduction, is classified as "Other," reflecting its multifaceted role in water resource management. With its stone and buttress core types and soil foundations, Roberts Dam 254 stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and enhancement of structures like Roberts Dam 254 will be essential in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of water systems in Nebraska and beyond.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
660 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wahoo Creek At Ithaca
|
53cfs |
Platte River Nr Leshara
|
5270cfs |
Rock Creek Near Ceresco
|
14cfs |
Platte River At North Bend
|
4920cfs |
Wahoo Cr At Ashland
|
78cfs |
Elkhorn River At Waterloo
|
1120cfs |
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.
Roberts Dam 254