O'Connor Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: O'Connor Dam 2 Longley Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
O'Connor Dam 1, located in Dawson County, Nebraska, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 1957 for flood risk reduction.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 13.1 feet, this dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 72.1 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.28 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed it to be in poor condition, emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its integrity.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, O'Connor Dam 1 plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of the TR-Wood River and protecting nearby communities from potential flooding. With a drainage area of 0.86 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1190 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region. However, its poor condition assessment raises concerns about its long-term sustainability and the need for proactive risk management measures.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the importance of well-maintained dams like O'Connor Dam 1 cannot be overstated. With a designated emergency action plan and regular monitoring protocols in place, stakeholders can work towards safeguarding this essential infrastructure for the benefit of both the local ecosystem and surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
199 |
Dam Height |
13.1 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOOD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.28 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.86 |
Nid Storage |
72.1 |
Structural Height |
13.1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
7cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1390cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1280cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
928cfs |
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.
O'Connor Dam 1