Buschkoetter Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buschkoetter Dam, located in Nuckolls, Nebraska, was completed in 1966 and is primarily used for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a structural height of 14 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a normal storage of 24 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, is classified as an earth dam with buttress and stone core types, supported by a soil foundation. It spans 225 feet in length and covers a surface area of 7 acres, with a drainage area of 0.3 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 148 cubic feet per second and is equipped with outlet gates for water control. With its location on TR-Liberty Creek and its proximity to DeWeese, Nebraska, Buschkoetter Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Buschkoetter Dam serves as a significant infrastructure for local water supply, wildlife habitat, and flood control. Its purpose extends beyond its physical presence, influencing the surrounding ecosystem and contributing to the overall resilience of the area. With its history of construction, ongoing maintenance, and state regulation, the dam represents a tangible example of sustainable water management practices and the importance of proactive measures in mitigating potential risks associated with water resources and climate variability.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR-LIBERTY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.