Phillippi Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Phillippi Dam, located in Gosper County, Nebraska, is a private dam designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at 15 feet high with a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a length of 301 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 109 acre-feet and serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Phillippi Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been rated since its last inspection in 2011. With a drainage area of 1.9 square miles and a maximum discharge of 290 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the Plum Creek watershed.

Being situated in the Kansas City District and under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska DNR, Phillippi Dam serves as a valuable asset for fire protection, livestock, and recreational purposes in Odessa. With its modest size and capacity, this earth dam contributes to the overall water resource infrastructure in the region while maintaining a low risk profile.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

301

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-PLUM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

1.9

Nid Storage

109

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.