Darlene Nelson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Darlene Nelson Dam, located in Saunders, Nebraska, along the TR-LITTLE ROCK CREEK, is a privately-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 2010.


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Summary

This Earth dam stands at 34 feet high, with a hydraulic height of 33.1 feet and a length of 560 feet. It serves a primary purpose of "Other," with a storage capacity of 20.8 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.26 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2019, Darlene Nelson Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement. The dam's normal storage capacity is 0.4 acre-feet, with a surface area of 0.35 acres. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan status is not specified, and additional risk assessment and management measures are not detailed in the data.

Overall, Darlene Nelson Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, offering insights into private dam ownership, regulatory oversight, and infrastructure design in the state of Nebraska. With its unique characteristics and location, this Earth dam highlights the importance of careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of water infrastructure in the region.

Year Completed

2010

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE ROCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.35

Hydraulic Height

33.1

Drainage Area

0.26

Nid Storage

20.8

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.