Buckley Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Buckley Dam, located in Overton, Nebraska, was completed in 1954 and serves as a crucial water resource for the area.


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Summary

This private earth dam on TR-BUFFALO CREEK has a height of 12.7 meters and a storage capacity of 86.4 million gallons, primarily used for fire protection, livestock, and small fish pond purposes. The dam, owned by a private entity, is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite its low hazard potential, Buckley Dam plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in Dawson County. Its location in Congressional District 03, Nebraska, under the supervision of the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, highlights its importance in the region's water infrastructure. While the dam's condition is not currently rated, its inspection frequency of every five years ensures ongoing maintenance and safety measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Buckley Dam as a key component of the local ecosystem, providing essential water storage and management capabilities. Its strategic location on TR-BUFFALO CREEK and role in fire protection and agriculture underline the dam's significance in maintaining water sustainability in the region. With its historical significance dating back to the 1950s and ongoing regulatory oversight by the NE DNR, Buckley Dam stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water resource management in Nebraska.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

210

Dam Height

12.7

River Or Stream

TR-BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11.2

Hydraulic Height

12.7

Drainage Area

1.47

Nid Storage

86.4

Structural Height

12.7

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.