Mirage Flats Dam 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mirage Flats Dam 2 Heaton Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Mirage Flats Dam 3, located in Sheridan County, Nebraska, was completed in 1958 by the USDA NRCS and is privately owned.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam stands at 30 feet tall and has a hydraulic height of 29 feet, with a total length of 540 feet. It serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction and other water resource management activities, with a normal storage capacity of 3 acre-feet and a drainage area of 7.4 square miles.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Mirage Flats Dam 3 is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a significant hazard potential, the dam has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in June 2018. It is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and support the maintenance of Mirage Flats Dam 3 to mitigate potential risks and ensure the sustainable management of water resources in the region.
The dam's location in the Sturgeon Drain watershed, within the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, highlights its importance in managing water flow and preventing flooding in the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1,088 cubic feet per second, Mirage Flats Dam 3 plays a vital role in protecting surrounding communities and agricultural lands from potential water-related hazards. Its association with Adrian Smith (R), the Congressional representative for the area, further underscores the significance of this structure in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
STURGEON DRAIN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
7.4 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Nr Ne-Sd State Line
|
10cfs |
White R Near Oglala Sd
|
101cfs |
Horsehead Cr At Oelrichs Sd
|
0cfs |
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.
Mirage Flats Dam 3