Serr Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Serr Dam in Keya Paha, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1978 for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, providing water for agricultural activities in the region. Located on TR-SPRING CREEK, the dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition, as per the last inspection conducted in March 2016 by the NE DNR.

Managed by the St. Paul District of the USACE, Serr Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, with a drainage area of 2.1 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 116 cubic feet per second. The dam's primary purpose of irrigation benefits the local community by supporting agricultural production and ensuring water availability for crop cultivation. Despite its age, Serr Dam continues to be regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to maintain its structural integrity and operational efficiency, highlighting its importance in the sustainable utilization of water resources for climate-resilient agriculture.

With its location within the scenic landscape of Mills, Nebraska, Serr Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of federal and state agencies in constructing and managing essential water infrastructure. As a key component of the local water supply system, the dam contributes to the economic prosperity and environmental sustainability of the region by facilitating irrigation activities and enhancing water security for farmers. This exemplifies the critical role of dams like Serr Dam in effectively harnessing and managing water resources to address the challenges posed by climate change and ensure a resilient future for agricultural communities.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

705

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

2.1

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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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.