Curtiselsen Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Curtiselsen Dam, located in Cheyenne, Nebraska, is a state-regulated structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1960.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 13.5 feet, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Cow Creek. With a normal storage capacity of 24.2 acre-feet and a drainage area of 116 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flood hazards in the region.
Despite its importance, Curtiselsen Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of October 2017, with a low hazard potential. The dam has a structural height of 13.5 feet and a length of 446 feet, providing a surface area of 10.8 acres. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1720 cubic feet per second, Curtiselsen Dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the dam undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to maintain its functionality and safeguard against potential risks.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status remains unspecified, highlighting the need for updated guidelines and risk assessment measures. As the dam is not owned or funded by any federal agency, its maintenance and operations fall under state jurisdiction. With its strategic location and role in flood risk reduction, Curtiselsen Dam serves as a vital water resource infrastructure in Nebraska, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to manage and protect against natural disasters in the region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
446 |
Dam Height |
13.5 |
River Or Stream |
COW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.5 |
Drainage Area |
116 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Structural Height |
13.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Platte River Near Crook
|
162cfs |
S. Platte R. At Julesburg
|
-999cfs |
Lodgepole Creek At Bushnell
|
2cfs |
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.
Curtiselsen Dam