School Land Dam 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

School Land Dam 4, located in Lexington, Nebraska, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

Built in 1945, this earth dam stands at a height of 12.2 meters and has a storage capacity of 119.4 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition based on a 2012 assessment, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its long-term functionality.

Owned and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, School Land Dam 4 is situated on TR-Spring Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the state. The dam's primary purpose of providing essential water resources for various uses underscores its importance in the local ecosystem. With a surface area of 17 acres and a drainage area of 0, this dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region, emphasizing the significance of ongoing inspections and enforcement to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding community and environment.

As a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, School Land Dam 4 stands as a testament to the intersection of human infrastructure and natural landscapes. Its historical significance, coupled with its current condition and regulatory oversight, offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between water resources, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship in Nebraska. By understanding and addressing the maintenance needs of this dam, stakeholders can ensure its continued functionality and contribution to the local ecosystem for years to come.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

170

Dam Height

12.2

River Or Stream

TR-SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

12.2

Nid Storage

119.4

Structural Height

12.2

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

12
       
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.