Messinger Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Messinger Dam 2 Dry Creek South 1-D
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Messinger Dam, located in Red Willow, Nebraska, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the TR-Beaver Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1980, this private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a storage capacity of 93.4 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition as of the last inspection in September 2018.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NE DNR), Messinger Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a surface area of 11.6 acres and a drainage area of 0.66 square miles, the dam is essential for mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. However, due to its poor condition assessment, there may be a need for maintenance and rehabilitation efforts in the near future to uphold its functionality and effectiveness.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the proper maintenance and management of dams like Messinger Dam are crucial for sustainable water management and flood control. With proper regulatory oversight and regular inspections, this dam can continue to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction and safeguard the local area from potential inundation events.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
270 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
0.66 |
Nid Storage |
93.4 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Messinger Dam