Van Pelt Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Van Pelt Dam, located in Lancaster County, Nebraska, along the TR-Salt Creek, stands as a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risk in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this earth dam reaches a height of 14.5 feet and a length of 670 feet, providing essential flood protection to the surrounding community. With a storage capacity of 116.2 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.39 square miles, Van Pelt Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the region from potential water-related disasters.

Despite its importance, Van Pelt Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a low hazard potential. The dam underwent hydraulic modifications in 1985 to enhance its functionality, but ongoing maintenance and improvements are necessary to ensure its continued effectiveness. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources oversees the regulatory aspects of the dam, including permitting, inspections, and enforcement, to uphold safety standards and protect the local environment. With its historical significance and continued significance in flood risk reduction, Van Pelt Dam serves as a key infrastructure asset in the region's water resource management.

As a private-owned structure, Van Pelt Dam plays a critical role in the overall water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area. Its strategic location and design contribute to the protection of lives and properties from flooding events, highlighting the importance of maintaining and upgrading such infrastructure to meet evolving challenges. With a clear focus on flood risk reduction, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners, regulatory agencies, and the community in safeguarding water resources and enhancing climate resilience in Nebraska.

Years Modified

1985 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

14.5

River Or Stream

TR-SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.6

Hydraulic Height

14.5

Drainage Area

1.39

Nid Storage

116.2

Structural Height

14.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Van Pelt DamSALT CREEK AT ROCA Preview Salt Creek At Roca
4.93cfs
5cfs
Van Pelt DamSALT CREEK AT PIONEERS BLVD AT LINCOLN Preview Salt Creek At Pioneers Blvd At Lincoln
10.5cfs
11cfs
Van Pelt DamHAINES BRANCH AT SW 56th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Haines Branch At Sw 56th St. At Lincoln
1.33cfs
1cfs
Van Pelt DamMIDDLE CREEK AT SW 40th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Middle Creek At Sw 40th St. At Lincoln
1.26cfs
1cfs
Van Pelt DamSTEVENS CREEK NR. LINCOLN Preview Stevens Creek Nr. Lincoln
2.69cfs
3cfs
Van Pelt DamSALT CREEK AT LINCOLN Preview Salt Creek At Lincoln
76.6cfs
77cfs

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.
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