Tumbleson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buescher Dam 3992 Walden Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Tumbleson Dam, located in Nelson, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS to serve as a flood risk reduction measure along the TR-ELK CREEK.
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Summary
Completed in 1939, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 502 feet, with a storage capacity of 398 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is reported to be in fair condition, with a low hazard potential.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Tumbleson Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flood events, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1330 cubic feet per second. Its location in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, marks it as a key infrastructure in the region's water resource management system.
With its historical significance and ongoing role in flood risk reduction, Tumbleson Dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring our water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and water resources, structures like Tumbleson Dam will play an increasingly vital role in safeguarding communities against the threats of flooding and water-related disasters.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
502 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
398 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Tumbleson Dam