Ruff Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ruff Dam 2 Ruff Dam 3
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ruff Dam, located in Red Willow, Nebraska, along the TR-Republican River, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure in the region.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 22.5 feet and spans 290 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 53.2 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.34 square miles, Ruff Dam plays a significant role in managing water flow and mitigating potential flooding events in the area.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NE DNR), Ruff Dam is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam remains a reliable asset in safeguarding the surrounding communities against flood risks. While the dam's Emergency Action Plan status and risk management measures are not explicitly outlined in the data, Ruff Dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively.
Despite being a privately-owned structure, Ruff Dam's impact extends beyond its immediate vicinity, benefiting the wider community. As climate change poses increasing challenges to water resources and infrastructure, the importance of structures like Ruff Dam in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks becomes ever more crucial. With its strategic location and essential role in flood risk reduction, Ruff Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
290 |
Dam Height |
22.5 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
22.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.34 |
Nid Storage |
53.2 |
Structural Height |
22.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Red Willow Reservoir State Rec Area
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Kiwanis Point Campground
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Willow View Campground
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Buffalo Roam Campground
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Karrer Park
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Ruff Dam