Shaw Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Norgaard Dam Wehrman Dam 1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Shaw Pond Dam, located in Nelson, Nebraska, plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along TR-ELK CREEK.
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Summary
Built in 1999 by USDA NRCS, this private dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 183 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Shaw Pond Dam is state-regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its compliance with safety and inspection requirements.
The dam, primarily made of earth and stone, spans 725 feet in length and covers a surface area of 8 acres. It serves a drainage area of 1.7 square miles and can handle a maximum discharge of 325 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated as of its last inspection in April 2018. While it is not USACE-owned, Shaw Pond Dam's critical role in mitigating flood risks highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding area.
With its strategic location and design, Shaw Pond Dam stands as a testament to successful collaboration between private owners and regulatory agencies in managing water resources and climate-related risks. As enthusiasts in this field, it is imperative to recognize the vital role that structures like Shaw Pond Dam play in protecting communities and ecosystems from the potentially devastating impacts of flooding. By staying informed and engaged with the ongoing maintenance and regulation of such dams, we can contribute to the resilience and sustainability of our water resources in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1999 |
Dam Length |
725 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
1.7 |
Nid Storage |
183 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Shaw Pond Dam