Briscoe Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Briscoe Dam, located in Garden County, Nebraska, is a crucial structure designed by USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1981, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and has a hydraulic height of 33 feet. With a storage capacity of 387 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.6 square miles, Briscoe Dam plays a significant role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Briscoe Dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in October 2017. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it has a normal storage capacity of 63 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, Briscoe Dam remains a vital component of the local water infrastructure, providing essential protection to the residents and ecosystems along Plum Creek.

With a length of 813 feet and a surface area of 13 acres, Briscoe Dam serves as a key piece of infrastructure in the region's water management system. Its strategic location and design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

813

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

PLUM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

2.6

Nid Storage

387

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.
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Area Campgrounds