Ziegler Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ziegler Dam, located in Naponee, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure primarily used for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this earth dam has a height of 18 feet and a length of 289 feet, with a storage capacity of 76 acre-feet. Situated on Turkey Creek in Harlan County, Nebraska, the dam serves as a vital resource for the local community, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Ziegler Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. The dam's design includes buttress and stone core types, with a soil foundation. The surrounding area covers 9 acres, with a drainage area of 0.9 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1250 cubic feet per second. Despite not having a spillway type or outlet gates, the dam has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2019, and a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years.

Overall, Ziegler Dam stands as a crucial water resource infrastructure in Nebraska, providing essential services for fire protection and livestock while serving as a habitat for small fish. With its low hazard potential and state-regulated status, the dam ensures the safety and well-being of the local community while contributing to the management of water resources in the region. Its historical significance, combined with its functional purpose, underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring this essential piece of infrastructure for years to come.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

289

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-TURKEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

76

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.