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. 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.