Carlson Dam 2, located in Gosper County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure built in 1970 by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR-W BR Turkey Creek. Standing at 18 feet high with a length of 230 feet, this earth dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 76.1 acre-feet and a normal storage of 2.2 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 1.2 acres and serves a drainage area of 1.63 square miles.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Carlson Dam 2 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not having a condition assessment, the dam is still inspected every 5 years to monitor its performance. While the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures are not currently determined, the structure remains a crucial component in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, it is essential to recognize the significance of structures like Carlson Dam 2 in mitigating flood risks and safeguarding communities and ecosystems. Through ongoing monitoring and maintenance, coupled with state regulation and enforcement, dams like Carlson Dam 2 play a vital role in enhancing water security and resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.