Ebbers Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ebbers Dam 1, located in Gage County, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1971, the dam stands at a height of 23 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a length of 735 feet. It has a storage capacity of 185 acre-feet and serves to regulate the flow of the TR-BIG BLUE RIVER, with a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Ebbers Dam 1 plays a crucial role in managing water resources for agricultural irrigation in the region. With a drainage area of 0.9 square miles and a maximum discharge of 216 cubic feet per second, the dam helps to maintain a stable water supply for farming activities. The dam's location and design also contribute to flood control efforts and protect downstream communities from potential inundation.

Despite being privately owned, Ebbers Dam 1 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the NE DNR. The dam is part of the larger network of water infrastructure in the area and serves as a vital component in water resource management for the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role and function of dams like Ebbers Dam 1 is essential for ensuring sustainable water use and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

735

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-BIG BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

185

Structural Height

23

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.