Harvey Dam 1886 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Harvey Dam 1886, located in Buffalo County, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1969, this 16-foot high structure spans 600 feet and has a storage capacity of 204 acre-feet. Situated on Turkey Creek, the dam serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flood events, with a low hazard potential and poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2019.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safe operation. Despite its age, the dam's primary purpose remains flood risk reduction, with a design that incorporates stone core and soil foundation. The dam's location in Kearney, Nebraska, makes it a crucial asset in managing water resources and climate-related risks in the region.
While Harvey Dam 1886 may face challenges with its current condition assessment, ongoing state oversight and inspection aim to address any safety concerns and ensure the dam's effectiveness in mitigating flood risks. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of structures like Harvey Dam in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against extreme weather events is vital for promoting sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TURKEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
204 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1500cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
589cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1390cfs |
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
3cfs |
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.
Harvey Dam 1886
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