Zysset Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Davis Dam 719 Wood Dam 1460
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Zysset Dam, located in Frontier County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR-Medicine Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1974, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 24 feet. With a length of 488 feet and a storage capacity of 139 acre-feet, Zysset Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Zysset Dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in April 2019. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 42 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 861 cubic feet per second. While there are no associated locks or spillways, the dam serves its primary purpose effectively and undergoes inspection every five years to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
As a significant component of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in the area, Zysset Dam contributes to the protection of surrounding communities and agricultural lands from potential inundation. With its efficient design and satisfactory condition, this earth dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Zysset Dam serves as a prime example of effective infrastructure for mitigating flood risks in vulnerable areas.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
488 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MEDICINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1.2 |
Nid Storage |
139 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Zysset Dam