Don Doerr Irrigation Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jelinek Dam Caskey Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
The Don Doerr Irrigation Dam, located in Knox County, Nebraska, stands as a vital water resource infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1987, this earth dam boasts a height of 33 feet and a length of 540 feet, providing a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet for the Verdigris Creek watershed. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2018, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and agricultural sustainability in the region.
Managed by private owners and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Don Doerr Irrigation Dam serves as a key component in the local water control system, ensuring a stable water supply for agricultural activities in the area. With a drainage area of 5.4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 342 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a significant role in maintaining water quality and quantity for the surrounding ecosystem.
The Don Doerr Irrigation Dam, with its stone core and soil foundation, exemplifies the collaboration between private owners and government agencies in water resource management. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the importance of such structures in sustainable water use and conservation cannot be overstated. This dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance water needs for agriculture while maintaining environmental integrity in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR-VERDIGRE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
5.4 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Verdigre C Nr Verdigre
|
206cfs |
Bazile Creek At Center
|
85cfs |
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Elkhorn River At Ewing
|
89cfs |
Bazile Creek Near Niobrara
|
192cfs |
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
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.
Don Doerr Irrigation Dam