Philpot Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Located in Cass County, Nebraska, the Philpot dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience.


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Summary

Built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, this private-owned structure serves as a vital Grade Stabilization project along the Tr- Pawnee Creek. With a dam height of 31 feet and a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet, Philpot plays a crucial role in flood control and water conservation efforts in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential, Philpot is a key component in the local watershed, with a drainage area of 0.23 square miles and a maximum discharge of 146 cubic feet per second. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and earth core construction highlight its design for effective water flow management. While the condition assessment is currently unavailable, the risk assessment for Philpot is moderate, indicating the need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures in the face of changing climate patterns.

As climate change impacts water resources across the globe, structures like Philpot become increasingly important for safeguarding communities and ecosystems. With its historical significance and ongoing contribution to water management in the region, Philpot stands as a symbol of human ingenuity in the face of environmental challenges. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, the story of Philpot serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for sustainable water infrastructure development in an ever-changing world.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

Tr- Pawnee Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

30

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.