Koester Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bostelman Dam Fuller Family Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Koester Dam in Thayer, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam designed by USDA NRCS with a height of 17 feet and completed in 1966.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction and has a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. Situated on TR-SPRING CREEK, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and mitigating potential flooding in the area. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Koester Dam is a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Koester Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's location in Deshler, Nebraska, makes it a key component of the local water infrastructure, providing storage for irrigation, wildlife habitat, and recreational activities. Despite its modest size, Koester Dam plays a significant role in supporting the agricultural and environmental needs of the surrounding area.
With a drainage area of 0.3 square miles and a maximum discharge of 90 cubic feet per second, Koester Dam is a crucial asset for water resource management in Thayer County. Its strategic design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlight the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in mitigating climate-related risks and ensuring water security for the community. As a well-maintained and regulated structure, Koester Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SPRING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Koester Dam