Kelley Creek West Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kelley Creek West Dam in Red Willow, Nebraska, is a crucial structure owned by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1979, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the TR-Republican River. With a storage capacity of 1183 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.8 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in mitigating potential hazards in the region.

The dam, designed by Benjamin Kasl & Assoc, features a stone core and soil foundation, with a structural height of 35 feet and a length of 732 feet. Its hazard potential is classified as high, although its condition assessment remains satisfactory as of the last inspection in August 2020. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 9 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 11,521 cubic feet per second, highlighting its importance in managing water resources and protecting the local community from potential flooding events.

Kelley Creek West Dam is not only a significant infrastructure for flood risk reduction but also a crucial component of the region's water resource management efforts. With its strategic location and design features, the dam plays a critical role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential inundation while ensuring the efficient utilization of water resources in Red Willow County, Nebraska. Its ongoing inspection, enforcement, and regulatory oversight by the Nebraska DNR underscore the commitment to maintaining the dam's integrity and functionality for the benefit of the local community and the environment.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

732

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

4.8

Nid Storage

1183

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.