Garland Northwest Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oak-Middle 81-A Rolfsmeier Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Garland Northwest Dam, located in Seward, Nebraska, is a local government-owned structure designed for flood risk reduction on the TR-Middle Oak Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 2001, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 420 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, highlighting the need for regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Garland Northwest Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water resources in the area, with a normal storage capacity of 23 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 265 cubic feet per second. Although the dam has not undergone significant modifications since its completion, its inspection frequency is set at every five years to monitor its structural integrity. As climate patterns continue to shift, the importance of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure like Garland Northwest Dam becomes increasingly essential to mitigate potential risks and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
As a key component of the local flood risk reduction infrastructure, Garland Northwest Dam serves as a vital resource for water management in the region, supported by state regulatory agencies and regular inspections. Despite its poor condition assessment, the dam's low hazard potential underscores its value in protecting surrounding communities from potential flooding events. Moving forward, proactive measures and investments in maintenance and upgrades will be essential to ensure the long-term safety and effectiveness of this critical water resource infrastructure in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MIDDLE OAK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Garland Northwest Dam
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