Ransom Dam 1747 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ransom Dam 1747, located in Polk, Nebraska, was completed in 1979 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Designed by Leland Jackson of the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a structural height of 32 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 86 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles, Ransom Dam 1747 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Ransom Dam 1747 has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of its last assessment in June 2017. The dam's normal storage capacity is 30 acre-feet, and it covers a surface area of 7 acres. The dam is situated on TR-Big Blue River and is under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

With a history dating back to the late 1970s, Ransom Dam 1747 continues to be a vital structure for flood risk reduction in the region. Regular inspections ensure its safety and functionality, providing peace of mind to local residents and stakeholders. The dam's strategic location and design highlight its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

555

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-BIG BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

86

Structural Height

32

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.