Navratil Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Lancaster, Nebraska, Navratil Dam is a privately-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1973, this Earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 650 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 153 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 revealed poor structural integrity, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements.

Situated on the TR-SPRING BR SALT CREEK, this dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The dam's location in the city of Sprague offers recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, with a surface area of 13 acres and a drainage area of 0.2 square miles. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its last inspection in 2016 indicated a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to address its deteriorating condition.

As a vital water resource in the region, Navratil Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational benefits and water storage capacity. With its proximity to the community and low hazard potential, efforts to maintain and improve the dam's structural integrity are essential to ensure the safety and longevity of this important infrastructure for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts in Nebraska.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-SPRING BR SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

153

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.