Merlin Mader Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mader Dam 3 Mader Dam 2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Merlin Mader Dam 1, located in Sioux County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR-Indian Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1961, this Earth-type dam stands at 21 feet in height and spans a length of 595 feet, with a storage capacity of 151 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its structural integrity and safety measures are up to standard.
The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a vital infrastructure piece in the region's water resource management. With a normal storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 286 cubic feet per second, Merlin Mader Dam 1 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, regular inspections are conducted to monitor the dam's performance and address any maintenance needs to uphold its functionality.
The dam's location in Ardmore, South Dakota, within the Omaha District, highlights its significance in mitigating flood risks for the local community. With its stone core and soil foundation, Merlin Mader Dam 1 showcases the collaborative efforts between private ownership and government agencies in safeguarding water resources and enhancing climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
595 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-INDIAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
1.1 |
Nid Storage |
151 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Merlin Mader Dam 1