Larry Novak Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brezina Dam Edward Dewispelare Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Larry Novak Dam, located in Butler County, Nebraska, along TR-Bone Creek, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Completed in 1996, the dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction, with a height of 21 feet and a storage capacity of 183 acre-feet. The dam's earth construction, supported by stone core and soil foundations, has a structural height of 24 feet and a length of 686 feet.
This low-hazard dam, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2016, plays a crucial role in managing flood risk in the area. It has a normal storage capacity of 35 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 212 cubic feet per second. The dam is inspected every five years, with the last assessment conducted in May 2016, ensuring its operational integrity and safety. Although no spillway information is provided, the dam's location in Rogers, Nebraska, underscores its significance in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.
With its strategic design and efficient flood risk reduction capabilities, Larry Novak Dam stands as a vital asset in safeguarding Butler County against the impacts of extreme weather events. Managed by private ownership and supported by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts to protect water resources and enhance climate resilience in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the engineering and regulatory aspects of Larry Novak Dam showcase the importance of sustainable infrastructure in mitigating the risks of flooding and ensuring the safety of local communities.
Year Completed |
1996 |
Dam Length |
686 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BONE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
183 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Cr 1.75mi W Of Polk Co Line
|
15cfs |
Platte River At North Bend
|
4920cfs |
Shell Creek Near Columbus
|
87cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Wahoo Creek At Ithaca
|
53cfs |
Rock Creek Near Ceresco
|
14cfs |
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.
Larry Novak Dam