Schmeeckle dam
Schmeeckle
Schmeeckle is a hydroelectric dam located in Cozad, Nebraska, along the Supply Canal. Built in 1941, this Earth-type dam stands at 59 feet high and stretches 953 feet in length, providing irrigation and hydroelectric power to the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 510 acre-feet, Schmeeckle plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Schmeeckle is subject to regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safe operation. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a high risk level due to its age and the potential consequences of failure. Emergency action plans are in place, although specific details regarding their preparation and effectiveness are not currently available.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Schmeeckle represents a fascinating intersection of hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and dam safety. As a vital piece of infrastructure in Dawson County, Nebraska, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing environmental conditions and growing water demands. Understanding and monitoring the condition and risk level of structures like Schmeeckle is key to ensuring the long-term resilience of water resources in the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Schmeeckle -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Creek Nr Overton | 17 cfs | → |
| Platte River Near Overton | 171 cfs | → |
| Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr | 31 cfs | → |
| Platte R Mid Ch | 139 cfs | → |
| Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek | 9 cfs | → |
| Republican River At Cambridge | 60 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Schmeeckle .
Boat launches
- Midway Canyon Reservoir
- Gallagher Canyon Sra
- Cozad
- West Cozad
- Willow Island
- Plum Creek Canyon Reservoir Wma
Campgrounds
- Gallagher Canyon State Rec Area - Cozad
- Muny Park
- Lafayette Park
- Lexington City Park
- Potter's Pasture New Campground
- Potter's Pasture Old Campground
Fishing spots
- Maxwell Rest Stop Dor
- Fort Mcpherson Dor
- Fremont Slough
- North Platte I-80 City Lake
- Camp Hayes Lake
- Birdwood Lake
More reservoirs
Track Schmeeckle in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Schmeeckle
Where does the data for Schmeeckle come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Schmeeckle .