Cording Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Cording Dam, located in Howard County, Nebraska, is a significant earth dam completed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 28.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 95.1 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 66.3 acre-feet. It spans 200 feet in length and covers a surface area of 8.7 acres, serving as a vital resource for water conservation and management in the region.
Despite its importance, Cording Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition with a significant hazard potential. The dam is state regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in May 2019. The dam presents a risk that needs to be managed effectively to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure, as well as the surrounding environment and communities that rely on it for various purposes.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cording Dam serves as a focal point for discussions on water management, infrastructure maintenance, and risk assessment in the face of changing climate patterns. As an earth dam with a critical role in fire protection and agricultural use, the condition and management of Cording Dam are essential considerations for sustainable water resource practices in the region. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts will be crucial to mitigate risks and ensure the long-term functionality of this important water structure.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
28.3 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LOUP RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
28.3 |
Drainage Area |
1.04 |
Nid Storage |
95.1 |
Structural Height |
28.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Loup River Nr St Paul Nebr
|
2580cfs |
Middle Loup R. At St. Paul
|
1520cfs |
Warm Slough Nr Central City
|
0cfs |
South Loup R At St. Michael
|
178cfs |
Loup River Power Canal Near Genoa
|
115cfs |
Platte River Near Grand Island
|
1450cfs |
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.
Cording Dam