Jelken Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Jelken Dam, located in Franklin, Nebraska, serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Center Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 19.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 102.6 acre-feet, providing essential protection to the surrounding area. Managed by a private entity, the dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring state jurisdiction and oversight in permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment not yet rated, Jelken Dam remains a key player in safeguarding the community against potential flooding events. The dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction aligns with its design as an earth dam with stone core types and soil foundations. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet its operational requirements and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the significance of Jelken Dam lies in its critical role in protecting the local area from the impacts of extreme weather events and maintaining water resource sustainability in the region.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
290 |
Dam Height |
19.6 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CENTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.6 |
Drainage Area |
1.14 |
Nid Storage |
102.6 |
Structural Height |
19.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Republican River Near Orleans
|
59cfs |
Prairie Dog C Nr Woodruff
|
0cfs |
Sappa Creek Near Stamford
|
4cfs |
Republican River At Guide Rock
|
35cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
1810cfs |
Nf Solomon R At Glade
|
8cfs |
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.
Jelken Dam