Kappelman Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Blomstrom Dam Woolhizer Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Kappelman Dam, located in Keya Paha, Nebraska, is a private-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Situated on Spring Br Holt Creek, the dam serves as a vital resource for water management in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 155 cubic feet per second.
Despite its importance for irrigation, Kappelman Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of April 2018, with a low hazard potential. The dam, constructed with stone core and soil foundations, spans a length of 380 feet and covers a surface area of 5 acres. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources regulates and inspects the dam, ensuring its compliance with state permitting and enforcement regulations. With a designated inspection frequency of every 5 years, efforts are underway to address the dam's maintenance needs and improve its condition for sustainable water resource management in the area.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures remain unspecified. While the dam is currently deemed safe for operation, ongoing evaluations and risk management strategies are essential to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the long-term reliability of Kappelman Dam for irrigation and water resource purposes in the region.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
380 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
SPRING BR HOLT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
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 |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
188cfs |
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1530cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Niobrara River Near Sparks
|
934cfs |
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.
Kappelman Dam