Nielsen Dam 429 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Nielsen Dam 429, located in Kearney, Nebraska, is a private earth dam primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 1970 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet with a structural height of 16 feet, providing storage for 59 acre-feet of water. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam spans 510 feet in length and covers a surface area of 6 acres, serving the local community's agricultural water needs.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Nielsen Dam 429 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safe operation. The dam's drainage area is 0.5 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 185 cubic feet per second. Despite its modest size, the dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region and contributes to the overall irrigation infrastructure.

With Adrian Smith representing the area in Congress, Nielsen Dam 429 remains an essential component of the local water supply system, serving as a key feature in the landscape of the Sand Creek watershed. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and assess dam safety and efficiency, Nielsen Dam 429 stands as a testament to responsible water management practices and the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure for agricultural sustainability in Nebraska.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

510

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-SAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

59

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.