Schaefer Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Andrews Dam Crystal Lake Dam 1084
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Schaefer Dam 1, located in Sioux County, Nebraska, serves as a vital irrigation structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1933.
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Summary
This privately owned earth dam stands at 18 feet high and stretches 1609 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has undergone structural modifications in 1974 to ensure its longevity and functionality for the local community.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Schaefer Dam 1 is regulated, inspected, and enforced to meet state standards for safety and compliance. The dam, situated along TR-Sowbelly Creek, plays a crucial role in water resource management for agricultural purposes in the region. With a hazard potential deemed low and a poor condition assessment as of 2017, ongoing maintenance and risk management measures are essential to sustain its integrity and functionality.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Schaefer Dam 1 underscores the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in Nebraska. Its historical significance, coupled with its operational importance for irrigation, highlights the need for continued monitoring, maintenance, and potential future enhancements to ensure its long-term effectiveness in supporting agricultural activities in the area.
Years Modified |
1974 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1933 |
Dam Length |
1609 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOWBELLY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
102 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Schaefer Dam 1