Jessen Dam 1416 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Jessen Dam 1416, located in Dawson County, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1955 for flood risk reduction and other purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 14 feet and a length of 415 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 129.1 acre-feet and serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding. Situated on the French Creek, the dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite its low hazard potential, Jessen Dam 1416 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a drainage area of 9.1 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 2 acre-feet. The dam's design, consisting of stone core and soil foundation, highlights its resilience in mitigating flood risks and maintaining water levels for various purposes. Although not currently rated for its condition assessment, the dam's last inspection in December 2017 reaffirmed its operational efficiency and low-risk status, providing a sense of security for the local community in Overton.
The presence of Jessen Dam 1416 underscores the importance of proactive water resource management and infrastructure maintenance in the face of changing climate patterns. As a key component in the region's flood control system, the dam stands as a testament to effective collaboration between private owners and state regulatory agencies. Its strategic location and operational significance contribute to the overall resilience of the area, showcasing the vital role that dams play in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
415 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
FRENCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
9.1 |
Nid Storage |
129.1 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
7cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1870cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1370cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
1570cfs |
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.
Jessen Dam 1416