Southeast Community College Irrigation Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Southeast Community College Irrigation Dam in Gage, Nebraska, stands as a vital resource for agricultural sustainability in the region.


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Summary

Built in 1988 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water to local farms along the Big Blue River. With a height of 23 feet and a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, the dam ensures a reliable water supply for the surrounding area.

Managed by private owners and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, this dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2016. The dam's primary purpose is irrigation, serving to enhance crop production and support the local farming community. Its strategic location and design make it an essential asset for water management and agricultural development in the region.

With its stone core and soil foundation, the Southeast Community College Irrigation Dam exemplifies the collaboration between government agencies and private entities in promoting water resource management. The dam's construction, operation, and maintenance adhere to state regulations, ensuring its continued effectiveness in meeting the irrigation needs of the local community. As climate change impacts water availability, this dam plays a crucial role in sustaining agriculture and mitigating the challenges posed by evolving weather patterns.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-BIG BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.