Rowan Dam (18-34-17w) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Rowan Dam (18-34-17w) is a privately-owned irrigation dam located in Keya Paha, Nebraska.


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Summary

Built in 1977, this earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet and has a length of 392 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 388 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation and is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.

Situated on Coon Creek, Rowan Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a normal storage capacity of 220 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.3 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in May 2019. The dam has not experienced any significant modifications or incidents, and there is no Emergency Action Plan currently in place for the structure.

With its strategic location and vital role in irrigation, Rowan Dam (18-34-17w) represents a key piece of water infrastructure in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper management and maintenance of dams like Rowan Dam are essential for sustaining agricultural activities and mitigating potential risks associated with water scarcity and extreme weather events in Nebraska.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

392

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

COON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

42

Drainage Area

4.3

Nid Storage

388

Structural Height

42

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

42
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.