Cole Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Upper Medicine Creek 370 Ruggles Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cole Dam, located in Frontier, Nebraska, along the TR-Medicine Creek, was completed in 1970 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The Earth dam, standing at a height of 26.3 feet, has a storage capacity of 178.2 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16.9 acres. However, despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is poor as of the last inspection in July 2019.
Owned and regulated by a private entity, Cole Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. With a drainage area of 1.23 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Although lacking in certain aspects of safety and maintenance, Cole Dam remains a key infrastructure for flood control and water management in the area, serving as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
566 |
Dam Height |
26.3 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MEDICINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
26.3 |
Drainage Area |
1.23 |
Nid Storage |
178.2 |
Structural Height |
26.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Cole Dam