Davidson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wildhorse 9-A West Water Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Davidson Dam, located in Morrill, Nebraska, was completed in 1961 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-EAST WILDHORSE CREEK.
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Summary
This private structure stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 57.8 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 21 acre-feet. The dam is primarily composed of earth, buttress, and stone materials, with a soil foundation, making it a vital component in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Davidson Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced upon regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not yet rated, the dam serves as a crucial asset for mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding community of Bayard. Despite its modest size in terms of surface area and drainage area, the dam plays a significant role in safeguarding against potential water-related disasters in the area.
Overall, Davidson Dam represents a key infrastructure project designed to address flooding concerns in Morrill County, Nebraska. With its strategic location, construction by the USDA NRCS, and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam remains a critical piece of the water resource management system in the region. As climate change continues to impact water patterns, the importance of structures like Davidson Dam in protecting communities and enhancing resilience against extreme weather events cannot be overstated.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
286 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST WILDHORSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
57.8 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bayard City Park
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Butte View
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Lake View Campground East
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Scout's Rest
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Davidson Dam
Butte View