Coffee Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buhr Dam Bill Coffee Dam 1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Coffee Dam, located in Sioux County, Nebraska, along TR-EAST JIM CREEK, stands as a testament to both history and functionality.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1939, this earth dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and maintaining a small fish pond. With a height of 14.4 feet and a length of 345 feet, Coffee Dam boasts a storage capacity of 102.7 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 53.4 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 12 acres and draining an area of 0.82 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, Coffee Dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection in July 2018 revealing areas in need of attention. Operated by a private entity, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state regulations. As an integral part of the local ecosystem and water resource management, Coffee Dam continues to play a vital role in providing essential services while also facing the challenges of maintaining its structural integrity and safety standards in the face of changing environmental conditions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Coffee Dam is a fascinating case study of balancing historical significance with modern-day functionality and maintenance to ensure sustainability for future generations.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
345 |
Dam Height |
14.4 |
River Or Stream |
TR-EAST JIM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.82 |
Nid Storage |
102.7 |
Structural Height |
14.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Coffee Dam