Charles Brown Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Leach Dam Frank Dam 796
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Charles Brown Dam is a privately owned structure located in Valentine, Nebraska, along Rush Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1998 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes. With a storage capacity of 388 acre-feet and a drainage area of 180 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Charles Brown Dam has a low hazard potential and is rated as having satisfactory condition. The dam is inspected every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its modest size, the dam provides essential water storage for the surrounding area and contributes to the overall water supply for agricultural activities.
Situated in Sheridan County, Charles Brown Dam is a vital piece of infrastructure that supports the local economy and ecosystem. With its relatively small surface area of 8 acres and maximum discharge capacity of 5000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a significant role in water conservation and management in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Charles Brown Dam will become increasingly important for sustainable water use and management in Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
810 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
RUSH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
180 |
Nid Storage |
388 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Charles Brown Dam