Ehlers Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Donnel Stelling Dam Drohman Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ehlers Dam, located in Thayer, Nebraska, along the TR-SPRING CREEK, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1963.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.5 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition according to a 2019 assessment, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and inspection.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Ehlers Dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a length of 305 feet. The dam's purpose extends beyond flood control, serving as a vital resource for water management in the region. With a normal storage capacity of 43 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and maximizing storage efficiency. However, the dam's condition assessment underscores the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety.
Despite its age, Ehlers Dam remains a key component of water resource management in the area, providing essential flood risk reduction and water storage capabilities. As a privately owned structure, it is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. With a focus on ongoing maintenance and assessment, Ehlers Dam continues to play a vital role in mitigating flood risks and supporting water management efforts in Thayer, Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
305 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SPRING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
1.5 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
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.
Ehlers Dam