Shadley Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Eutsler Dam English Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Shadley Dam, located in Dawson County, Nebraska, stands as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction and other purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1948, this earth dam with a stone core has a structural height of 18 feet and a length of 305 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 83.8 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 114.7 acre-feet, Shadley Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region. The dam is state-regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to maintain its functionality.
Situated on TR-KILGORE CREEK, Shadley Dam is owned privately and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Nebraska. Its low hazard potential and "Not Rated" condition assessment reflect its stable and secure state, providing assurance to nearby residents and stakeholders. Despite not being associated with any federal agencies, Shadley Dam serves as a testament to effective local water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With a maximum discharge capacity of 460 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to handle potential flood events and protect the surrounding area from water-related emergencies.
Managed by the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Shadley Dam remains a vital component of the regional water infrastructure. Its strategic location and design underscore the importance of proactive dam maintenance and risk management practices in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of climate change. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Shadley Dam offers valuable insights into the intricate balance between human-made structures and natural forces, highlighting the need for sustainable water management practices in a changing environment.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
305 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-KILGORE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.76 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
114.7 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
7cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
511cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
377cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
1870cfs |
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.
Shadley Dam