Elsner Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elsner Dam 1, located in Lancaster, Nebraska, was completed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This private dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a height of 22.8 feet and a storage capacity of 115.3 acre-feet, Elsner Dam 1 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Situated on the TR-Haines Br Salt Creek, Elsner Dam 1 is a low hazard dam with a condition assessment that is currently not rated. The dam has a drainage area of 0.7 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 440 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Elsner Dam 1 continues to function effectively, providing essential water management services to the community. With its earth core and stone foundation, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Under the jurisdiction of the NE DNR, Elsner Dam 1 is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessments are currently unknown, but its low hazard potential indicates a relatively low level of risk to surrounding areas. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor the condition and management of dams like Elsner Dam 1 to safeguard water resources and mitigate potential climate-related impacts in the future.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

580

Dam Height

22.8

River Or Stream

TR-HAINES BR SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.8

Hydraulic Height

22.8

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

115.3

Structural Height

22.8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.