Carlson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Carlson Dam, located in Polk, Nebraska, is a vital piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1983, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 32 feet. It spans 450 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 265 acre-feet, providing essential flood control for the surrounding region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Carlson Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in June 2016. With a drainage area of 1.5 square miles, the dam serves the TR-Clear Creek, helping to mitigate potential flooding events. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding the local community against water-related disasters.

Operated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Carlson Dam is a key component of the water resource management in the region, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Polk, Nebraska. With its impressive design and storage capacity, this earth dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective flood control measures in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water-related risks.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-CLEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

265

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.