Gartner Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wendell Johnson Dam Trausch Dam 1724
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Gartner Dam, located in Ayr, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS that serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 2000, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet, with a hydraulic height of 32 feet and a structural height of 41 feet. It has a length of 615 feet and a storage capacity of 496 acre-feet, providing essential flood control measures for the surrounding area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Gartner Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition as of May 2016. The dam, constructed using stone core and soil foundation, is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and undergoes regular inspections every five years. While the dam plays a crucial role in flood protection for Adams County, the condition assessment highlights the need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure its continued effectiveness and safety.
With a drainage area of 3.8 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 209 cubic feet per second, Gartner Dam remains a key asset in mitigating flood risks in the region. Despite its current condition, ongoing regulatory oversight and inspections by the NE DNR are essential to address any potential safety concerns and maintain the dam's functionality for the future benefit of the community and environment.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
615 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
3.8 |
Nid Storage |
496 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
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.
Gartner Dam