Purviance Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Henderson Irrigation Dam Michanek Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Purviance Dam, located in Boyd, Nebraska, stands as a vital structure along the TR-Ponca Creek, serving a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Constructed in 2003 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam spans 293 feet in length and reaches a height of 31 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 25 acre-feet. The dam's low hazard potential and fair condition assessment underscore its importance in mitigating potential flooding risks in the area.
Managed by a private owner, Purviance Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Despite its relatively modest size, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential flood events and contributes to the overall water resource management efforts in the region. With its strategic location and design, Purviance Dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between private owners and state agencies in ensuring the safety and resilience of water infrastructure.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts track the condition and management of dams like Purviance Dam, its presence serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to balance water resource utilization and environmental protection. With a focus on flood risk reduction and efficient water storage, Purviance Dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive infrastructure planning and maintenance in the face of evolving climate challenges. Through continued monitoring and collaboration between stakeholders, dams like Purviance play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of water resources in Nebraska and beyond.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
293 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PONCA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
25 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
Verdigre C Nr Verdigre
|
206cfs |
Bazile Creek Near Niobrara
|
192cfs |
Bazile Creek At Center
|
85cfs |
Elkhorn River At Ewing
|
89cfs |
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.
Purviance Dam