Yearling Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Yearling Dam, located in Richardson County, Nebraska, was completed in 1955 by the USDA NRCS and is currently owned and regulated by a private entity.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, primarily designed for flood risk reduction, stands at a height of 29 feet with a hydraulic height of 26 feet and a structural height of 31 feet. It spans 480 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 0.3 square miles along the TR-LONG BRANCH river or stream.

Despite its low hazard potential, Yearling Dam received a poor condition assessment during its last inspection in March 2020. The dam is subject to state regulation and inspection by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with enforcement and permitting responsibilities falling under the state's jurisdiction. While the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not specified in the data, its location and design highlight its importance in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Yearling Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam with a significant role in local water management efforts.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-LONG BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

30

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.