Morgan Road Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Morgan Road Dam, located in Sherman, Nebraska, is a vital piece of infrastructure designed by TOM HAMER of USDA NRCS in 1981.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction and other water management functions. With a storage capacity of 177 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of TR-DAVIS CREEK and protecting the surrounding area from potential flood events.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the NE DNR, Morgan Road Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. While it is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the dam has a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 23 feet, contributing to its effectiveness in managing water resources in the region. With a drainage area of 2.3 square miles and a maximum discharge of 277 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a significant role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Nebraska.

As a key component of water infrastructure in the area, Morgan Road Dam represents a vital resource for the community of ELBA and beyond. Its strategic location, design, and regulatory oversight by state agencies ensure that it continues to serve its purposes effectively, contributing to the overall water security and climate resilience of the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the careful design and management of this dam, which plays a critical role in mitigating flood risks and supporting sustainable water management practices in Sherman County, Nebraska.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

655

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-DAVIS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

2.3

Nid Storage

177

Structural Height

23

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.