Kavan Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kavan Dam 2 Roberts Dam 254
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Kavan Dam 1, located in Saunders County, Nebraska, was completed in 1965 and stands at a height of 15 feet, with a hydraulic height of 13 feet.
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Summary
The primary purpose of this earth dam, designed by USDA NRCS, is flood risk reduction, protecting the surrounding area from potential water flow from TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK. With a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a normal storage of 18 acre-feet, Kavan Dam 1 plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood hazards in the region.
Maintained and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, this dam has a low hazard potential and was last assessed in May 2017. While the dam is not currently rated in terms of its condition, it undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 300 cubic feet per second, Kavan Dam 1 plays a vital role in safeguarding the local community and environment from potential flooding events.
Located near WAHOO, Kavan Dam 1 is a key asset in the flood risk reduction infrastructure of the area, managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With its earth structure reinforced with buttress and stone core types, this dam serves as a crucial line of defense against water-related disasters. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and assess the impact of climate change on water management, structures like Kavan Dam 1 play a significant role in preserving the safety and well-being of communities in Saunders County, Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Kavan Dam 1