Zentner Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ankrom Dam Kurt Kechely Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Zentner Dam, located in Richardson, Nebraska, was completed in 2001 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital resource for fish and wildlife in the area.
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Summary
This private dam stands at a height of 36 feet, with a hydraulic height of 35 feet and a structural height of 40 feet. It spans 834 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the surrounding ecosystem.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Zentner Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2016, the dam serves as a reliable structure for flood control and water storage. The dam's primary purpose as a fish and wildlife pond highlights its importance in supporting the local ecosystem and enhancing biodiversity in the region.
Located along the TR-Mackelroy Creek, Zentner Dam is a key feature in water resource management in Nebraska. With its earth core and stone foundation, the dam stands as a testament to sustainable water infrastructure development. As a climate enthusiast, understanding the importance of dams like Zentner in maintaining a balance between human needs and environmental conservation is crucial for ensuring water security in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
834 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MACKELROY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
108 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Nemaha River At Falls City
|
310cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Tarkio River At Fairfax Mo
|
55cfs |
Missouri River At Rulo
|
26600cfs |
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
605cfs |
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.
Zentner Dam