Carson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Carson Dam, located in Burt County, Nebraska, is a vital local government-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS to manage the flow of the TR-Silver Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1994, this earth-type dam stands at 36 feet tall and stretches 388 feet long, providing flood risk reduction and other essential purposes for the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.5 square miles, Carson Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Carson Dam has a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2019. The dam is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the dam does not have a designated spillway type, it can discharge up to 282 cubic feet per second in case of overflow. Carson Dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unspecified, indicating the need for further evaluation and preparation in case of unforeseen events.

Overall, Carson Dam serves as a reliable and effective water management infrastructure in the Omaha District. With its strategic location and design features, the dam contributes to the protection of the local community from flooding events and ensures sustainable water resource utilization. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring and enhancing the resilience of structures like Carson Dam is essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change and safeguarding water security in the region.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

388

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-SILVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

87

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.