Eagles Nest Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Nilson Dam Keller Dam 2739
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Eagles Nest Dam, located in Keya Paha, Nebraska, stands as a testament to the vital role of water resource management in the region.
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Summary
Built in 1964 for irrigation purposes, this earth dam boasts a height of 29 feet and a length of 220 feet, providing essential storage of 59 acre-feet of water. Despite its primary function, the dam also serves to regulate the flow of Spring Br Burton Creek, with a maximum discharge capacity of 130 cubic feet per second.
Managed by a private entity, Eagles Nest Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. Despite a hazard potential rated as low, the dam's condition assessment is reportedly poor as of the last inspection in March 2016. However, with a dedicated inspection frequency of every five years and state enforcement measures in place, efforts are being made to ensure the continued safety and efficacy of this critical infrastructure.
As climate change impacts water resources and weather patterns, the significance of dams like Eagles Nest in managing water supply and mitigating risks of flooding cannot be understated. With its strategic location in the St. Paul District and close monitoring by state regulators, Eagles Nest Dam remains a key component of Nebraska's water infrastructure, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
220 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
SPRING BR BURTON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
1.2 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1650cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
191cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
969cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
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.
Eagles Nest Dam