Pavelka Irrigation Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Theresa Vap Dam Dooley Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Clay County, Nebraska, the Pavelka Irrigation Dam is a vital water resource structure designed by the USDA NRCS to support agricultural irrigation in the region.
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Summary
Completed in 1981, this earth-type dam stands at 26 feet tall with a length of 525 feet, providing a storage capacity of 162 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is irrigation, serving an area with a drainage area of 1.5 square miles and a normal storage level of 59 acre-feet.
Managed by a private entity, Pavelka Irrigation Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam has a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in May 2019. The dam's operation and maintenance contribute to the sustainable management of water resources in the Little Blue River watershed, enhancing agricultural productivity and water availability for the local community.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
1.5 |
Nid Storage |
162 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Pavelka Irrigation Dam