Bergen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Friesen Dam 1673 Preheim Lagoon Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bergen Dam, located in McCool Junction, Nebraska, is a crucial structure managed by the local government for flood risk reduction along the TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER.
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Summary
Built in 1979 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 26 feet high and spans 1,013 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 610 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2016, Bergen Dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Bergen Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and efficacy in flood risk mitigation. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a normal storage capacity of 82 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 36 cubic feet per second. With a drainage area of 2.9 square miles, Bergen Dam serves as a critical infrastructure in the region, maintaining a surface area of 19 acres and a structural height of 29 feet.
The dam's design, construction, and operation are overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, with regular inspections scheduled every five years. Despite its low hazard potential, Bergen Dam remains a key asset in the community's resilience against potential flooding events, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
1013 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-W FK BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
2.9 |
Nid Storage |
610 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Bergen Dam