Kurt Kechely Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ahern Dam No 1 Zentner Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Richardson, Nebraska, the Kurt Kechely Dam stands as a vital structure for irrigation purposes along the TR-Sardine Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1995, this privately owned Earth dam reaches a height of 36.7 meters, with a storage capacity of 49.2 acre-feet. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 revealed poor maintenance, raising concerns about its long-term durability.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Kurt Kechely Dam undergoes regular inspections and is subject to state regulatory oversight. While its primary purpose remains irrigation, the dam's structural integrity and maintenance issues present challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its continued functionality. With its location in a Congressional District represented by Adrian Smith, the dam serves as a critical resource for water management in the region, highlighting the intersection of infrastructure, water resources, and climate resilience.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the status of the Kurt Kechely Dam, attention to its maintenance, inspection frequency, and risk management measures will be crucial in safeguarding its operations and mitigating potential hazards. With its importance for agricultural irrigation in the area, efforts to address the dam's poor condition assessment and improve its resilience to changing climate conditions will be key in ensuring the sustainable use of water resources in Richardson, Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1995 |
Dam Length |
770 |
Dam Height |
36.7 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SARDINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
36.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
49.2 |
Structural Height |
36.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Nemaha River At Falls City
|
310cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Little Nemaha River At Auburn
|
82cfs |
Tarkio River At Fairfax Mo
|
52cfs |
Missouri River At Rulo
|
28600cfs |
Turkey C Nr Seneca
|
15cfs |
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.
Kurt Kechely Dam