Frickel South Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Frickel North Dam Schwindt Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Frickel South Dam, located in Holt, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
This earthen dam, completed in 1960, stands at a height of 9 feet and has a length of 860 feet, providing storage for up to 99 acre-feet of water. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 was deemed poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure its long-term stability and effectiveness.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Frickel South Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to ensure compliance with safety standards. The dam is situated on TR-BRUSH CREEK and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With a drainage area of 4 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 416 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management for the surrounding agricultural area.
While Frickel South Dam currently poses a low risk, its poor condition assessment raises concerns about its long-term reliability. It is essential for the owners and regulators to address any maintenance issues promptly to prevent potential safety hazards and ensure the continued availability of water for irrigation purposes. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals alike will find Frickel South Dam an intriguing case study in the importance of infrastructure maintenance and risk management in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
860 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BRUSH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
99 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1530cfs |
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
188cfs |
Elkhorn River At Ewing
|
89cfs |
Verdigre C Nr Verdigre
|
206cfs |
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.
Frickel South Dam