Merrick Howard County Road Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Merrick Howard County Road Dam in Nebraska, managed by the local government, was designed by the USDA NRCS and stands as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along TR-ROCK CREEK.
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Summary
Completed in 1980, this earth dam rises 41 feet high and spans 600 feet in length, providing a maximum storage capacity of 173 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition was rated as poor during the last inspection in May 2018.
Located in Fullerton, Nebraska, this dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources oversees state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement related to the dam's operations. With a drainage area of 0.9 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 38 acre-feet, the dam's hydraulic height of 33 feet ensures effective flood risk mitigation for the community.
Given its critical purpose and historical significance, the Merrick Howard County Road Dam symbolizes the collaborative efforts between local and federal agencies in managing water resources and climate-related challenges. Despite its poor condition assessment, ongoing inspections and enforcement measures by the NE DNR aim to maintain the dam's integrity and functionality for future generations.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ROCK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
0.9 |
Nid Storage |
173 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Loup River Nr St Paul Nebr
|
2580cfs |
Middle Loup R. At St. Paul
|
1520cfs |
Warm Slough Nr Central City
|
0cfs |
Loup River Power Canal Near Genoa
|
115cfs |
Silver Cr
|
2cfs |
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.
Merrick Howard County Road Dam