Buchta Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jones Creek 1-A Monson Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Buchta Dam, located in Polk, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1957, this earth dam stands at a height of 19.4 feet and has a storage capacity of 92.5 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 0.55 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1865 cubic feet per second, Buchta Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its importance, Buchta Dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, as of the last inspection in June 2020. The dam has a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years, and its primary regulator is the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. While the dam does not have an emergency action plan in place and its risk assessment and management measures are not specified, it remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the area.
With its location on TR-Clear Creek and serving as a multipurpose water structure, Buchta Dam presents both opportunities and challenges for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Understanding the significance of maintaining and potentially upgrading this dam is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in Polk County, Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
215 |
Dam Height |
19.4 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CLEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.55 |
Nid Storage |
92.5 |
Structural Height |
19.4 |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Silver Cr
|
6cfs |
Prairie Creek Nr Silver Creek Nebr
|
4cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Loup River Near Genoa
|
3030cfs |
Loup River Power Canal Near Genoa
|
17cfs |
Beaver Creek At Genoa
|
114cfs |
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.
Buchta Dam