Howard Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Schacht Dam Caskey Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Howard Dam, located in Nebraska along the TR-S BR VERDIGRE CREEK, was completed in 1960 by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 20.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 94.9 acre-feet, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite its poor condition assessment, the dam's hazard potential is considered low, with inspections conducted every five years to ensure its structural integrity.
Owned and regulated by a private entity, Howard Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the NE DNR in Nebraska. The dam's primary designer, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, oversaw its construction to provide flood risk reduction benefits and maintain normal storage levels. With a drainage area of 1.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 945 cubic feet per second, Howard Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and minimizing the impact of extreme weather events on the local community.
Although Howard Dam's condition assessment may raise concerns, its strategic location and operational capacity contribute to the overall water resource management efforts in Antelope, Nebraska. With a surface area of 4.7 acres and a length of 559 feet, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure asset for the area, supporting various environmental and agricultural activities. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Howard Dam are essential to ensuring the resilience and sustainability of the local ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
559 |
Dam Height |
20.3 |
River Or Stream |
TR-S BR VERDIGRE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
20.3 |
Drainage Area |
1.3 |
Nid Storage |
94.9 |
Structural Height |
20.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Elkhorn River At Ewing
|
89cfs |
Verdigre C Nr Verdigre
|
206cfs |
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Bazile Creek At Center
|
85cfs |
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
Bazile Creek Near Niobrara
|
192cfs |
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.
Howard Dam