Vandenberg Dam 386 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dennis Vrbka Road Dam Miller Dam 1877
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Vandenberg Dam 386, located in Butler, Nebraska, was completed in 1969 by USDA NRCS and stands as a crucial structure along the TR-BIG BLUE RIVER for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam with a height of 15 feet and a length of 370 feet serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a normal storage capacity of 23 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 72 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Vandenberg Dam 386 is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2018. With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a surface area of 4 acres, the dam is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 79 cubic feet per second. Its importance in flood risk reduction and water resource management cannot be overstated, making it a key asset in the region's infrastructure.
Despite being a lesser-known structure, Vandenberg Dam 386 plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community from potential flood risks. With its strategic location along the TR-BIG BLUE RIVER and its efficient design by USDA NRCS, the dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the importance of structures like Vandenberg Dam 386 in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security only grows more significant.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
370 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Cr 1.75mi W Of Polk Co Line
|
17cfs |
Platte River At North Bend
|
4920cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Shell Creek Near Columbus
|
87cfs |
Oak Creek At Air Park Rd At Lincoln
|
18cfs |
Wahoo Creek At Ithaca
|
53cfs |
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.
Vandenberg Dam 386
Timber Point