Laurel Norris Dam dam
Laurel Norris Dam
Laurel Norris Dam, located in Cedar County, Nebraska, is a vital structure primarily designed for flood risk reduction along the Middle Logan Creek. Completed in 1994, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet, with a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 29 feet. Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements. With a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet, Laurel Norris Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Constructed by JEO Johnson Erickson O'Brien, Laurel Norris Dam holds a high hazard potential and is classified as satisfactory in terms of condition assessment as of the last inspection in May 2020. The dam's emergency action plan, though last reviewed in 2016, is essential for ensuring preparedness in case of any unforeseen events. With its strategic location and purposeful design, Laurel Norris Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
As an important piece of flood risk reduction infrastructure in the area, Laurel Norris Dam's role in safeguarding the community from potential water-related disasters cannot be overstated. With its robust design and satisfactory condition, the dam stands ready to face any challenges that may come its way, ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Laurel Norris Dam represents a testament to the importance of proactive infrastructure development in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events and safeguarding communities against the threat of flooding.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Laurel Norris Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Logan Creek At Wakefield | 109 cfs | → |
| North Fork Elkhorn River Near Pierce | 59 cfs | → |
| Vermillion River Nr Vermillion Sd | 42 cfs | → |
| Elkhorn River At Pilger | 461 cfs | → |
| Omaha Cr At Homer | 31 cfs | → |
| Elkhorn R At Norfolk Ne | 279 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Laurel Norris Dam.
Boat launches
Track Laurel Norris Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Laurel Norris Dam
Where does the data for Laurel Norris Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Laurel Norris Dam.