Korell Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Korell Dam, located in Hitchcock, Nebraska, is a private earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1976.
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Summary
With a height of 16.5 feet and a storage capacity of 62.8 acre-feet, it primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction along the Republican River. The dam's fair condition assessment and low hazard potential make it a crucial component in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Korell Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Its location in the southeastern part of the state, near the city of McCook, underscores its significance in protecting downstream communities from potential flooding events. Despite its relatively small surface area of 3 acres, the dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding area from excess water flow and mitigating the risk of inundation.
Adrian Smith, the Republican Representative for Nebraska, oversees Korell Dam within the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam's structure, built with a combination of buttress and stone core types on a soil foundation, reflects a sustainable approach to water resource management. As climate change continues to impact the region, Korell Dam stands as a testament to proactive measures taken to ensure the safety and resilience of the local community against potential water-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
16.5 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
1.3 |
Nid Storage |
62.8 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Korell Dam