Nelson Dam 3316 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Clausen Dam Farwell 6-55
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Nelson Dam 3316, located in Dannebrog, Nebraska, is a local government-owned earth dam built in 1950 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-DRY CREEK.
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Summary
With a height of 16.2 feet and a storage capacity of 109.9 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the Howard County area from potential flooding events. Despite its poor condition assessment in 2017, the hazard potential of Nelson Dam 3316 is considered low, providing a sense of security to the surrounding community.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Nelson Dam 3316 is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. The dam's location in the SWS11T13R12W area, within the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, highlights the collaborative efforts between local and federal agencies in maintaining water resource infrastructure. Additionally, the dam's association with Congressional District 03, represented by Adrian Smith, underscores the importance of political support in safeguarding vital water resources.
Although Nelson Dam 3316 has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, its historical significance and ongoing role in flood control demonstrate the critical importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and water availability, the resilience of structures like Nelson Dam 3316 will be essential in mitigating the potential risks of extreme weather events in the future.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
16.2 |
River Or Stream |
TR-DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
16.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.49 |
Nid Storage |
109.9 |
Structural Height |
16.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Loup R At St. Michael
|
200cfs |
Middle Loup R. At St. Paul
|
1250cfs |
North Loup River Nr St Paul Nebr
|
2580cfs |
Platte River Near Grand Island
|
1450cfs |
Warm Slough Nr Central City
|
0cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
1570cfs |
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.
Nelson Dam 3316