Schmit Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bellwood 6-E Bellwood 6-G
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Schmit Dam, located in Butler County, Nebraska, was completed in 1972 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This private dam, with a height of 25 feet and a length of 160 feet, has a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.2 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition and was last inspected in April 2019.
Maintained by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Schmit Dam is regulated and permitted by state authorities, with regular inspections and enforcement actions in place to ensure its safety. The dam is situated on the TR-PLATTE RIVER and is designed as an earth dam with buttress and stone core types. While it has a maximum discharge capacity of 195 cubic feet per second, the dam's surface area covers 6 acres and its normal storage capacity is 36 acre-feet.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Schmit Dam presents an interesting case study in dam infrastructure management and maintenance. As discussions around climate change and water resource management intensify, the condition and regulation of dams like Schmit Dam will continue to be crucial in ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
160 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PLATTE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Cr 1.75mi W Of Polk Co Line
|
15cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Shell Creek Near Columbus
|
87cfs |
Prairie Creek Nr Silver Creek Nebr
|
5cfs |
Silver Cr
|
2cfs |
Platte River At North Bend
|
4920cfs |
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.
Schmit Dam