Smith Supply Canal Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buffalo Lagoon Dam Buffalo Creek B-1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Smith Supply Canal Dam, located in Dawson County, Nebraska, is a vital structure managed by the local government to protect against flood risks and serve various other purposes.
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Summary
Constructed in 1982, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 30 feet, providing storage for up to 105 acre-feet of water. The dam stretches 495 feet in length and covers a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, with a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in October 2017.
Situated on the TR-West Buffalo Creek, the Smith Supply Canal Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 15 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capability of 2,538 cubic feet per second. Despite being a locally owned structure, it falls under state jurisdiction and regulation by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and flood risk reduction efforts in the area.
Managed by the local government and situated in Overton, Nebraska, the Smith Supply Canal Dam exemplifies the importance of infrastructure in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of climate change. With a focus on maintaining satisfactory conditions and low hazard potential, this earth dam serves as a critical piece of the water resource management puzzle in Dawson County. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, monitoring and supporting the upkeep of structures like the Smith Supply Canal Dam are essential for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our shared water systems in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1982 |
Dam Length |
495 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WEST BUFFALO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
7cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1870cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1370cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
1570cfs |
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.
Smith Supply Canal Dam
Cozad