Gruber West Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Gruber West Dam, located in Gosper County, Nebraska, is a vital structure managed by the local government for flood risk reduction and other purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1967 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 30 feet high with a length of 362 feet, offering a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet. Situated along the TR-E BR MUDDY CREEK, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Gruber West Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, which ensures its state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction underscores its significance in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. With a drainage area of 1.2 square miles and a maximum discharge of 205 cubic feet per second, this structure serves as a key component of the local water management infrastructure.

Maintaining a close watch on Gruber West Dam's condition is crucial, as its last inspection in June 2018 revealed a fair rating. With an inspection frequency of five years, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) and risk management measures require continuous assessment to ensure the safety of nearby communities. As climate change impacts water resources, the significance of structures like Gruber West Dam in mitigating flood risks and safeguarding the environment becomes increasingly critical for sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

362

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-E BR MUDDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

126

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.