Mentink Dam 1591 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ransom Dam 1747 Ransom Dam 1287
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Mentink Dam 1591, located in Polk, Nebraska, is a crucial piece of infrastructure owned by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Completed in 1977, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet, with a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 33 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 367 acre-feet and the ability to discharge up to 1020 cubic feet per second in case of overflow. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2019 rated it as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades.
Situated on the TR-Big Blue River, Mentink Dam 1591 plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding. With a drainage area of 5.7 square miles and a surface area of 9 acres, this dam serves as a vital component in the overall water management system of the region. Although it has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, regular inspections and enforcement by the state regulatory agency ensure that it continues to meet safety standards and mitigate potential risks.
Overall, Mentink Dam 1591 serves as a key asset in flood risk reduction efforts in Nebraska, providing essential protection to the local community. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme precipitation events, maintaining and upgrading infrastructure like this dam will be essential to safeguarding lives and property. Continued monitoring, maintenance, and potential improvements will be crucial to ensuring the long-term effectiveness and safety of this important water resource management structure.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
5.7 |
Nid Storage |
367 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Mentink Dam 1591