Dwinell Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sergel Dam Monter Group Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Arapahoe, Nebraska, Dwinell Dam is a privately owned structure that serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock maintenance, and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a length of 187 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 59.5 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 38.8 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the TR-Muddy Creek, within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
Dwinell Dam's low hazard potential and not rated condition assessment make it a reliable asset for water resource management in the region. The dam has undergone inspections, with the last one conducted in September 2014, and is subject to regular state oversight, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While specific spillway details are not provided, the dam's design includes buttress and stone core types with a soil foundation, ensuring its structural integrity and hydraulic efficiency in managing a maximum discharge of 655 cubic feet per second.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Dwinell Dam for its contribution to local water management and conservation efforts. With its strategic location and multi-purpose functionality, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities, maintaining water quality, and enhancing ecosystem resilience along the TR-Muddy Creek. As a testament to sustainable infrastructure development, Dwinell Dam stands as a vital asset in the broader efforts to address water security and climate resilience in Frontier County, Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
187 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MUDDY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1.9 |
Nid Storage |
59.5 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Republican River At Cambridge
|
60cfs |
Beaver Creek Near Beaver City
|
1cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1040cfs |
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
7cfs |
Red Willow Creek Near Red Willow
|
3cfs |
Sappa C Nr Lyle
|
1cfs |
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.
Dwinell Dam