Smith Creek Beckler Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Smith Creek Beckler Dam in Nebraska is a local government-owned structure primarily designed for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1983, this earth dam stands at 31 feet in height, with a hydraulic height of 31 feet and a structural height of 38 feet. It spans 715 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 333 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality.

Located in Seward County, Nebraska, near Beaver Crossing, Smith Creek Beckler Dam is situated on the Smith Creek river/stream, with a drainage area of 3.7 square miles. The dam covers a surface area of 44 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 142 acre-feet. While the dam does not have a spillway type or width specified, it can discharge a maximum of 680 cubic feet per second. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment taking place in May 2020, indicating a 5-year inspection frequency to monitor the dam's condition and safety protocols.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smith Creek Beckler Dam presents an intriguing case study of a locally managed recreational dam in the heart of Nebraska. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam has been serving its purpose for nearly four decades, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and water storage. As efforts continue to maintain and regulate the dam under state jurisdiction, the intersection of environmental sustainability and recreational utility remains a focal point for those interested in the management of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

715

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

SMITH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

3.7

Nid Storage

333

Structural Height

38

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

View more

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Smith Creek Beckler DamWEST FORK BIG BLUE RIVER NR DORCHESTER Preview West Fork Big Blue River Nr Dorchester
39.3cfs
39cfs
Smith Creek Beckler DamBIG BLUE RIVER NEAR CRETE Preview Big Blue River Near Crete
94.8cfs
95cfs
Smith Creek Beckler DamHAINES BRANCH AT SW 56th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Haines Branch At Sw 56th St. At Lincoln
1.33cfs
1cfs
Smith Creek Beckler DamMIDDLE CREEK AT SW 40th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Middle Creek At Sw 40th St. At Lincoln
1.26cfs
1cfs
Smith Creek Beckler DamOAK CREEK AT AIR PARK RD AT LINCOLN Preview Oak Creek At Air Park Rd At Lincoln
15.1cfs
15cfs
Smith Creek Beckler DamSALT CREEK AT PIONEERS BLVD AT LINCOLN Preview Salt Creek At Pioneers Blvd At Lincoln
10.5cfs
11cfs

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.
View more

Nearby Reservoirs