Kerwood Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Thayer, Nebraska, Kerwood Dam is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 27 feet high and spans 364 feet in length, holding a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Kerwood Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, serving as a source of water for fire protection and livestock, as well as creating a small fish pond. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its long-term reliability. The dam is situated along TR-Little Sandy Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
As a key landmark in the local water infrastructure, Kerwood Dam not only provides essential services for the community but also contributes to the ecological diversity of the region. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, the dam represents a blend of engineering expertise and environmental stewardship. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it's important to monitor the condition of Kerwood Dam and support efforts to preserve and enhance its functionality for future generations.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
364 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE SANDY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Kerwood Dam