Ruff Dam 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Spencer Dam 1496 Ruff Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ruff Dam 3, located in Red Willow, Nebraska, along the TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER, was completed in 1960 and serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and stretches 520 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 104.1 acre-feet. Despite its importance in safeguarding the surrounding community, the dam is currently in poor condition and requires regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NE DNR), Ruff Dam 3 is subject to state regulatory oversight, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures to uphold its safety standards. The dam has a low hazard potential but its poor condition warrants attention for potential risk mitigation strategies. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Ruff Dam 3 plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local area from potential inundation events, highlighting the importance of maintaining and upgrading this essential piece of water resource infrastructure.
Located in the Congressional District 03 of Nebraska, Ruff Dam 3 exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to stay informed about the condition and management of key infrastructure like Ruff Dam 3 to support sustainable water management practices and ensure the safety of communities in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
520 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Drainage Area |
0.14 |
Nid Storage |
104.1 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
43 |
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 3