Ely Dam, located in Nemaha, Nebraska, along Willow Creek, was completed in 1967 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction. This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 152 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 5 acres and has a drainage area of 2.1 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1272 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Ely Dam has a low hazard potential and has been assessed as satisfactory in condition as of the last inspection in 2017. The dam is regularly inspected every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While no emergency action plan is currently in place, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and poses minimal risk to the surrounding area. Overall, Ely Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region, demonstrating the importance of responsible dam operation and maintenance in the face of changing climate patterns.