Norgaard Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shaw Pond Dam Kucera Dam 2058
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Norgaard Dam, located in Nuckolls, Nebraska, is a private dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1968 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
With a height of 17 feet and a length of 275 feet, the dam sits on TR-ELK CREEK and has a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor as of March 2020, indicating a need for maintenance and upgrades to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Norgaard Dam is subject to state regulation and inspection, with enforcement powers to ensure compliance with safety standards. The dam's location in SWS16T3R7W makes it an essential resource for fire protection and water storage in the area, serving the surrounding community in Nelson. While the dam has not undergone major modifications in recent years, regular inspections are conducted to monitor its structural integrity and address any potential risks.
With a drainage area of 0.6 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 269 cubic feet per second, Norgaard Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Although its condition is currently rated as poor, the dam's significance for fire protection and stock water supply highlights the importance of ongoing maintenance to ensure its long-term reliability and safety for the community and environment it serves.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Norgaard Dam