Summit Lake Road Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Summit Lake Road Dam, located in Tekamah, Nebraska, is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to manage flood risk along the TR-Tekamah Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1999, this earth dam stands at 49 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 36 feet, serving as a key tool in flood risk reduction in the area. With a storage capacity of 479 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.4 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in protecting surrounding communities from potential water-related disasters.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Summit Lake Road Dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection in May 2018. The dam's primary purpose goes beyond flood risk reduction to include other water resource management goals. Being a local government-owned structure, it serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between government agencies and the community to safeguard water resources and manage the impacts of climate variability in the region.

As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, the Summit Lake Road Dam stands as a critical asset in the region's resilience against extreme weather events. With a history of successful operation and maintenance, this earth dam exemplifies effective water management practices and underscores the importance of proactive measures in mitigating climate-related risks. The dam's presence highlights the significance of sustainable water resource management in adapting to changing environmental conditions and ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

1030

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

TR-TEKAMAH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

2.4

Nid Storage

479

Structural Height

49

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

49
       
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.