Birkel Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hilger Dam 295 Siffring Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Birkel Dam, located in Butler, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 116 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a surface area of 8 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, particularly for agricultural irrigation along TR-DEER CREEK.
Despite its low hazard potential, Birkel Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of April 2019. The dam is inspected every five years, with the last inspection conducted in April 2019. The regulatory oversight and enforcement for the dam fall under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NE DNR), ensuring that the structure meets state permitting and inspection requirements. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its importance in water resource management for the region remains significant.
The Birkel Dam's location within Congressional District 01 of Nebraska underscores its importance in sustaining agricultural activities in the area. With a drainage area of 0.2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 400 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water storage and distribution. Despite its current poor condition, continued monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to ensure the dam's long-term functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource management challenges.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
380 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR-DEER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
116 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Cr 1.75mi W Of Polk Co Line
|
15cfs |
Shell Creek Near Columbus
|
87cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Platte River At North Bend
|
4920cfs |
Prairie Creek Nr Silver Creek Nebr
|
5cfs |
Silver Cr
|
2cfs |
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.
Birkel Dam