Olson Dam 1529 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mentink Dam 1591 Dickson Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Olson Dam 1529, located in Polk, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1975.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 23 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-BIG BLUE RIVER. With a storage capacity of 146 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Owned and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Olson Dam 1529 is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in May 2019, the dam is still monitored closely to mitigate any potential risks. With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 255 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in the local water management infrastructure.
As part of the Omaha District, the dam does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers. However, it continues to play a crucial role in flood risk reduction efforts and water resource management in the region. With its humble dimensions and low hazard potential, Olson Dam 1529 serves as a testament to the importance of small-scale infrastructure in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
311 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
146 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Silver Cr
|
6cfs |
Prairie Creek Nr Silver Creek Nebr
|
4cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Clear Cr 1.75mi W Of Polk Co Line
|
17cfs |
Loup River Near Genoa
|
3030cfs |
Loup River Power Canal Near Genoa
|
17cfs |
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.
Olson Dam 1529