Dawson County Road Dam 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Dawson County Road Dam 3, located in Sumner, Nebraska, is a crucial water resource structure managed by the local government.
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Summary
Constructed in 1971, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans a length of 600 feet, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 406.9 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.42 square miles, this dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Dawson County Road Dam 3 is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not yet receiving a condition assessment rating, the dam serves as a key component in the water management infrastructure of Dawson County. With a normal storage capacity of 177.6 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 159 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a critical role in maintaining water levels and mitigating flood risks in the Wood River watershed.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dawson County Road Dam 3 represents a vital piece of infrastructure in the Kansas City District's water management system. With its strategic location in the Wood River basin and close proximity to Sumner, Nebraska, this dam serves as a crucial line of defense against potential flooding events. Managed by the local government and subject to state oversight, this Earth-type dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective water resource management and climate resilience in protecting communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOOD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
0.42 |
Nid Storage |
406.9 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
3cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1390cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1500cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
589cfs |
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.
Dawson County Road Dam 3