Elson Detention Dam 1-S Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Elson Detention Dam 1-S, located in Stockville, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily serve the purpose of flood risk reduction along Curtis Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1967, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet with a structural height of 30 feet and a length of 210 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 283 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 15 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 6 acres and draining a 3.1 square mile watershed.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Elson Detention Dam 1-S has been assessed to have a low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition as of June 2018. Despite its age, the dam has been inspected regularly every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1898 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find interest in the engineering design and regulatory oversight of this essential infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
210 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
CURTIS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
3.1 |
Nid Storage |
283 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Elson Detention Dam 1-S