Summary
Standing at a height of 16 feet and a length of 346 feet, this earth dam was completed in 1961 and has a storage capacity of 101 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a not-rated condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the area.
The dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction aligns with its design as an earth dam with buttress and stone core types, utilizing soil foundations for support. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 850 cubic feet per second and a drainage area of 2.4 square miles. The dam has not been modified in recent years and has a regular inspection frequency of 5 years, with the most recent assessment conducted in April 2020. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it remains a crucial infrastructure for managing flood risks along the Niobrara River in Nebraska.
Overall, Skavdahl Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flood events, with its strategic location and design contributing to its effectiveness in flood risk reduction. As a privately-owned structure with state jurisdiction and regulation, the dam's operation and maintenance are overseen by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its continued functionality and safety. With its low hazard potential and solid construction, Skavdahl Dam stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of climate variability and increasing threats of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
346 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NIOBRARA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
2.4 |
Nid Storage |
101 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Skavdahl Dam
Western Boundary Of Agate Fossil Beds National Monument To Eastern Boundary Of Agate Fossil Beds National Monument