Jacobson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hadwiger Dam Patterson Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Jacobson Dam, located in Riverdale, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure that serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 20.7 feet and spans 225 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 108.1 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.31 square miles, Jacobson Dam plays a critical role in managing water resources in the area.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Jacobson Dam is state regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently listed as "Not Rated," with its last assessment conducted in April 2017. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps are all marked as not applicable, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts to mitigate potential risks and ensure the dam's continued effectiveness in water resource management.
As a vital component of the local ecosystem, Jacobson Dam's importance extends beyond its immediate functions to encompass environmental protection, water storage, and flood control. With its location along the Wood River, this dam not only supports local agriculture and wildlife but also contributes to the broader climate resilience efforts in Nebraska. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of structures like Jacobson Dam will be essential in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against potential risks and challenges.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
20.7 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOOD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
20.7 |
Drainage Area |
1.31 |
Nid Storage |
108.1 |
Structural Height |
20.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Platte River Near Kearney
|
589cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1500cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1390cfs |
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
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.
Jacobson Dam
Cottonmill