Zvolanek Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 7, 2026
Zvolanek Dam, located in Gage County, Nebraska, along the TR-Big Blue River, is a privately owned Earth dam with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Constructed in 2004 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 155 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2020, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area while also serving other purposes.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Zvolanek Dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam's strategic location contributes to its effectiveness in mitigating potential flood risks and protecting the surrounding area from water-related hazards. With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 64 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
As a key infrastructure asset in the area, the Zvolanek Dam provides a critical line of defense against flooding and helps to safeguard the community and environment from the impacts of extreme weather events. With its efficient design and satisfactory condition, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners, government agencies, and design engineers in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in Gage County, Nebraska.
Year Completed |
2004 |
Dam Length |
498 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
155 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Blue R At Barneston Nebr
|
154cfs |
Big Blue R At Marysville
|
171cfs |
Little Blue R At Hollenberg
|
87cfs |
Turkey Creek Near De Witt
|
10cfs |
L Blue R Nr Barnes
|
101cfs |
Turkey C Nr Seneca
|
13cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Feits Memorial Park
|
||
Big Indian NRD Rec Area
|
||
Rockford Lake State Rec Area
|
Zvolanek Dam