Carothers Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Carothers Dam, located in Berwyn, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure primarily designed for flood risk reduction along the TR-Mud Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1937, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and stretches 395 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 318 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2019 rated as poor, indicating the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Carothers Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's primary purpose remains flood risk reduction, serving the surrounding area by controlling water levels and protecting downstream communities from potential flooding events. Although there have been no major modifications to the dam in recent years, regular inspections are conducted to assess its structural integrity and overall safety.
While Carothers Dam currently poses a low hazard potential, its poor condition assessment highlights the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to ensure its continued functionality and safety. As a key component in the flood risk reduction infrastructure of Custer County, Nebraska, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting local residents and properties from the impacts of flooding, emphasizing the need for proactive management and investment in dam safety and maintenance practices.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
395 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MUD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
2.92 |
Nid Storage |
318 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Loup River At Taylor
|
511cfs |
Middle Loup River At Dunning
|
569cfs |
North Loup R At Brewster
|
374cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
7cfs |
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.
Carothers Dam