Jurgens Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Jurgens Dam, located in Pawnee, Nebraska, is a privately-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Completed in 1949, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 34 feet and serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction and other water resource management functions. With a storage capacity of 16.4 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.03 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow along the TR-Johnson Creek.
Despite its low hazard potential, Jurgens Dam has been rated as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in 2017. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are currently unknown, posing a potential concern for its long-term resilience. As a significant structure in the region, the dam's maintenance and upkeep are essential to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and supporting water resource management in the area.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Jurgens Dam can appreciate its historical significance and the role it plays in regulating water flow along the TR-Johnson Creek. With a focus on enhancing its condition assessment and emergency preparedness, stakeholders can work towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of this vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction and water resource management in Pawnee, Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TR-JOHNSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
0.03 |
Nid Storage |
16.4 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Turkey C Nr Seneca
|
24cfs |
Big Blue R At Barneston Nebr
|
131cfs |
North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt
|
67cfs |
Big Blue R At Marysville
|
192cfs |
Black Vermillion R Nr Frankfort
|
40cfs |
L Blue R Nr Barnes
|
65cfs |
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.
Jurgens Dam