Sayer Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Medicine Creek Road 722 County Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sayer Dam, located in Red Willow, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1962.
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Summary
This earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a dam height of 20 feet and a length of 235 feet, Sayer Dam has a storage capacity of 176 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 51 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-Republican River and is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state inspection and enforcement ensuring its safety and compliance.
Despite its low hazard potential, Sayer Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. The dam covers a surface area of 9 acres and has a drainage area of 2.6 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 331 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With its strategic location and design, Sayer Dam continues to be a vital asset for fire protection, livestock, and aquatic habitat enhancement in the region.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
235 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
2.6 |
Nid Storage |
176 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Sayer Dam