Copley Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Copley Dam, located in Riverton, Nebraska, is a privately owned and state-regulated structure designed by USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet, with a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 26 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 15.8 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 63.7 acre-feet, serving an area with a drainage size of 3.9 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Copley Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in April 2017. The dam has a length of 166 feet and a surface area of 5.2 acres, with a maximum discharge capacity of 850 cubic feet per second. It is crucial to ensure regular inspections and maintenance to address the poor condition assessment and mitigate any risks associated with the dam. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should keep an eye on the developments surrounding Copley Dam to ensure the safety and sustainability of its operations for the community it serves.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

166

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

REAMS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.2

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

3.9

Nid Storage

63.7

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.