Keller Dam 1785 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Keller Dam 1785, located in Boyd, Nebraska, is a private earth dam primarily designed for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1980 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 41 feet and stretches 563 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Keller Dam 1785 is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring state-permitted inspection and enforcement to maintain its structural integrity.

Situated on the TR-Ponca Creek, Keller Dam 1785 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, with a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 135 cubic feet per second. The dam's location in the St. Paul District and its oversight by the NE DNR reflect its significance in the local hydrological landscape. Despite its private ownership, Keller Dam 1785 complies with state regulations and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its reliable operation and safety for surrounding communities.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Keller Dam 1785 serves as a notable example of efficient and sustainable irrigation infrastructure in Nebraska. Its construction by the USDA NRCS and state-regulated operations demonstrate a commitment to water conservation and management. With its satisfactory condition assessment and low hazard potential, Keller Dam 1785 stands as a reliable resource for agricultural water supply in the region, contributing to the resilience of local ecosystems and communities in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

563

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

TR-PONCA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

123

Structural Height

41

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

41
       
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.