Ray Nelson Erosion Control Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cure Creek 1-A Korty Diversion
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
The Ray Nelson Erosion Control Dam, located in Keith County, Nebraska, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate erosion along the TR-South Platte River.
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Summary
Completed in 1983, this earth dam stands at a height of 16.3 feet and spans 426 feet in length, offering flood risk reduction and other essential benefits for the local community. With a storage capacity of 97.3 acre-feet and a low hazard potential, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential water-related hazards.
Managed by a private owner and regulated by the NE DNR, this dam undergoes regular inspections and meets state permitting and enforcement requirements to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's primary purpose goes beyond flood risk reduction, serving as a key element in controlling erosion and protecting the environment. Even though its condition assessment is not rated, the Ray Nelson Erosion Control Dam continues to fulfill its role in safeguarding the region's water resources and climate stability.
Strategically located in the Kansas City District, this dam contributes to water management efforts in the region, with a drainage area of 1.8 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 316 cubic feet per second. Despite being privately owned, this essential infrastructure has a significant impact on the local ecosystem, highlighting the importance of erosion control and water resource management in sustaining a healthy environment for future generations.
Year Completed |
1983 |
Dam Length |
426 |
Dam Height |
16.3 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH PLATTE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.04 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.3 |
Drainage Area |
1.8 |
Nid Storage |
97.3 |
Structural Height |
16.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Platte River At Roscoe Nebr
|
216cfs |
S. Platte R. At Julesburg
|
-999cfs |
South Platte River At North Platte
|
1290cfs |
Frenchman Creek At Palisade
|
22cfs |
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.
Ray Nelson Erosion Control Dam
Spillway Bay - Back Ramp