Schuster Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Schuster Dam, located in Pawnee, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 2009.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a hydraulic height of 23.76 feet, providing essential water storage for the area. With a normal storage capacity of 79.4 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 186.7 acre-feet, Schuster Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and managing runoff in the region.

Situated on TR-Turkey Creek and managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Schuster Dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2016. With a drainage area of 0.47 square miles and a surface area of 12.6 acres, the dam serves multiple purposes beyond flood control. Its strategic location and design contribute to the overall water resource management in the area, ensuring sustainable usage and protection of the local ecosystem.

Despite being privately owned, Schuster Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement by the Nebraska DNR. With a history of meeting guidelines and maintaining satisfactory conditions, this essential infrastructure demonstrates the importance of proper dam management in mitigating flood risk, ensuring water availability, and supporting climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

2009

Dam Length

690

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-TURKEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.6

Hydraulic Height

23.76

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

186.7

Structural Height

28.4

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.