Snyder Dam 506 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Snyder Dam 506, located in Lancaster County, Nebraska, was completed in 1956 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction in the region.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a hydraulic height of 21 feet, with a structural height of 25 feet and a total length of 520 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 16 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 84 acre-feet, and covers a surface area of 4 acres, serving a drainage area of 0.3 square miles.

Despite its important role in flood protection, Snyder Dam 506 has been assessed as being in poor condition during the last inspection in April 2019, with a low hazard potential. The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. While the dam has not had significant modifications in recent years, it remains a key component of the local water resource infrastructure, with a maximum discharge capacity of 564 cubic feet per second.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the state of Snyder Dam 506, its condition assessment and risk management measures will be crucial factors to consider. With a focus on flood risk reduction and its location near the Jordan Creek, the dam's maintenance and upkeep will be essential in ensuring the safety and protection of the surrounding area. The involvement of state regulatory agencies and the USDA NRCS in the oversight and management of the dam highlight the collaborative efforts to safeguard water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-JORDAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

84

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.