Ransom Dam 1287 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ransom Dam 1747 Mentink Dam 1591
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ransom Dam 1287, located in Polk, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1965 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Big Blue River.
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Summary
With a height of 21 feet and a length of 350 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet and can handle a maximum discharge of 88 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
The dam's location in Surprise, Nebraska, within the Omaha District, underscores its importance in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. Its association with the Big Blue River and its drainage area of 0.4 square miles highlight its critical role in protecting communities and infrastructure from potential flooding events. With a history of regular inspections and maintenance, Ransom Dam 1287 continues to serve as a vital asset in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Nebraska.
As a key feature in the state's flood risk reduction infrastructure, Ransom Dam 1287 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners, government agencies, and design experts in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. Its capacity to store water, control discharge, and minimize flood hazards underscores its essential role in water resource management and climate adaptation strategies. In the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water-related challenges, the continued monitoring and maintenance of Ransom Dam 1287 are crucial for ensuring the safety and resilience of surrounding areas.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
66 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Silver Cr
|
6cfs |
Prairie Creek Nr Silver Creek Nebr
|
4cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Clear Cr 1.75mi W Of Polk Co Line
|
17cfs |
Loup River Near Genoa
|
3030cfs |
Loup River Power Canal Near Genoa
|
17cfs |
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.
Ransom Dam 1287