Laursen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hansen Dam 1239 Cook Southeast Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Laursen Dam, located in Box Butte County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Completed in 1972, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, serving purposes such as flood risk reduction and others. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Situated on TR-Snake Creek with a drainage area of 0.7 square miles, Laursen Dam covers a surface area of 4 acres and has a maximum discharge capacity of 94 cubic feet per second. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes inspections every 10 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unspecified, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and preparedness in the face of potential climate challenges.
Overall, Laursen Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Alliance, Nebraska, under the jurisdiction of the NE DNR. With its modest size and capacity, the dam contributes to flood control efforts and supports the surrounding ecosystem. As climate change impacts water availability and quality, maintaining and upgrading structures like Laursen Dam will be essential for ensuring the resilience of communities and ecosystems in the region.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
574 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SNAKE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Laursen Dam