Covalt Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Covalt Dam, located in Morrill, Nebraska, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along Browns Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and stretches 1850 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 1207.6 acre-feet, it plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
Managed and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Covalt Dam has a significant hazard potential but was assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of October 2020. Regular inspections are conducted every three years to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood control. Additionally, it lacks certain features like outlet gates and spillways, highlighting its reliance on the natural terrain for water management.
Despite its age, Covalt Dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, safeguarding the surrounding community from potential water-related disasters. As climate change poses new challenges to water resources and infrastructure, the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of Covalt Dam remain essential to its continued functionality and the protection of downstream areas from flooding impacts.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1850 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
BROWNS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
15.5 |
Nid Storage |
1207.6 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Platte River Near Crook
|
169cfs |
S. Platte R. At Julesburg
|
-999cfs |
Lodgepole Creek At Bushnell
|
2cfs |
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.
Covalt Dam