Nelson Dam 605 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Herboldsheimer Dam Beyer Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Nelson Dam 605, located in Cheyenne, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS to serve as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along TR-Lodgepole Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1967, this dam stands at a height of 34 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 593 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6.4 square miles. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2018.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Nelson Dam 605 undergoes regular inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a structural height of 39 feet and a hydraulic height of 33 feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam's location in Sidney, Nebraska, highlights its importance in safeguarding the community and its residents from the impacts of extreme weather events.
As part of its risk management measures, Nelson Dam 605 does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers but relies on state regulatory agencies for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a commitment to mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of downstream areas. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nelson Dam 605 serves as a testament to proactive flood risk reduction efforts in Nebraska, safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LODGEPOLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
6.4 |
Nid Storage |
593 |
Structural Height |
39 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Platte River Near Crook
|
162cfs |
Lodgepole Creek At Bushnell
|
2cfs |
S. Platte R. At Julesburg
|
-999cfs |
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.
Nelson Dam 605