Percival Erickson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dam 17-7-5w Ham Dam
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Percival Erickson Dam, located in Sutton, Nebraska, is a privately owned irrigation structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a height of 24 feet and a hydraulic height of 22 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1974, this earth dam spans 580 feet across and stores a maximum of 314 acre-feet of water for agricultural purposes in the TR-School Creek watershed. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2019, Percival Erickson Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Clay County, Nebraska. The dam covers a drainage area of 2.1 square miles and has a normal storage capacity of 116 acre-feet, providing essential irrigation water for local agricultural activities. Despite the absence of a spillway type specified, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 740 cubic feet per second, safeguarding against potential flooding events.
Operated by private owners, Percival Erickson Dam exemplifies the importance of local water resource management in sustaining agricultural productivity. As a key component of the irrigation infrastructure in the area, this dam showcases the collaborative efforts between private entities and governmental agencies like the NRCS and NE DNR to ensure the efficient and sustainable use of water resources in Nebraska. This structure serves as a vital resource for farmers and landowners in the region, highlighting the significance of proper dam maintenance and regulation in mitigating water-related risks and supporting agricultural livelihoods.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SCHOOL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
2.1 |
Nid Storage |
314 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Percival Erickson Dam