Troester Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Hamilton County, Nebraska, Troester Dam stands as a private-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS to serve multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

Completed in 1981, this earth-type dam boasts a height of 17.6 feet and a structural height of 20.5 feet, with a storage capacity of 89 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.03 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 revealed poor conditions, prompting the need for further inspection and potential maintenance to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.

Situated along the TR-Platte River, Troester Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region, offering a surface area of 4.4 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 1,626 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not undergone major modifications since its completion, it remains subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. With a designated emergency action plan and contact procedures yet to be fully established, there is scope for enhanced risk assessment and management measures to mitigate any potential hazards associated with the dam.

As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Troester Dam not only provides essential services for fire protection and livestock management but also contributes to the ecological balance of the area. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam represents a blend of structural stability and natural integration. Moving forward, continued monitoring and maintenance efforts will be crucial to uphold the dam's integrity and ensure its sustainable operation for the benefit of the community and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

283

Dam Height

17.6

River Or Stream

TR-PLATTE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.4

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

1.03

Nid Storage

89

Structural Height

20.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.
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Area Campgrounds