Rinkel Flood Control Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Rinkel Flood Control Dam, located in Norfolk, Nebraska, was completed in 1988 by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the Elkhorn River.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet, with a structural height of 25 feet and a length of 785 feet. It has a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet, serving as a crucial tool in flood risk reduction in the region.

Owned privately, the dam is regulated and permitted by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its proper inspection, enforcement, and maintenance. With a satisfactory condition assessment and low hazard potential, the dam has a regular inspection frequency of every 5 years to ensure its effectiveness in flood control. The dam's location in Madison County, Nebraska, within the Omaha District, underscores its importance in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation.

The Rinkel Flood Control Dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the residents and infrastructure of Norfolk and its vicinity from the devastating impacts of flooding. With its strategic design and efficient operation, this dam stands as a beacon of hope for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the successful collaboration between private ownership and state regulations in enhancing flood resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

785

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-ELKHORN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

190

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.