Ruff Dam, located in Red Willow, Nebraska, along the TR-Republican River, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure in the region. 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.