Vorderstrasse Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Vorderstrasse Dam, located in Thayer, Nebraska, stands as a testament to the vital role of water resource management in supporting agricultural irrigation in the region.


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Summary

Built in 1982 for the primary purpose of irrigation, this private-owned Earth dam on TR-DRY CREEK plays a crucial role in storing and regulating water for agricultural use in the area. With a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet, the dam contributes to enhancing water security for the local community.

Despite its significant contribution to water management, Vorderstrasse Dam faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, with a reported poor condition as of the last inspection in April 2019. The dam has a low hazard potential, but efforts are needed to address its structural integrity issues and ensure its continued functionality. With a drainage area of 0.6 square miles and a surface area of 6 acres, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region.

As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the importance of maintaining and upgrading dams like Vorderstrasse Dam becomes increasingly evident. With state regulation and inspection in place, it is essential for stakeholders to work together to address the dam's condition and ensure its resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions. Vorderstrasse Dam stands as a reminder of the interconnectedness of water resources, climate change, and sustainable agricultural practices in Nebraska.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

505

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

68

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.