Helms Dam 3623 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Helms Dam 3623, located in Arapahoe, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1960 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Muddy Creek.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 18.4 feet with a length of 235 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 64.5 acre-feet and serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 deemed it to be in poor condition, highlighting the need for maintenance and upgrades to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Helms Dam 3623 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to maintain its structural integrity and safety standards. While the dam's last inspection in 2017 revealed its poor condition, its emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures are currently not specified. With a drainage area of 0.55 square miles and a surface area of 5.7 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the local community from potential flood events, underscoring the importance of proper management and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality.
With its location in Gosper County, Nebraska, Helms Dam 3623 stands as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, under the oversight of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Helms Dam 3623 are essential to safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the threat of flooding. Collaborative efforts between private owners, state agencies, and federal regulators are crucial in ensuring the resilience and reliability of such critical water resource infrastructure in the face of evolving climatic challenges.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
235 |
Dam Height |
18.4 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MUDDY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
18.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.55 |
Nid Storage |
64.5 |
Structural Height |
18.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Republican River At Cambridge
|
60cfs |
Beaver Creek Near Beaver City
|
1cfs |
Sappa C Nr Lyle
|
1cfs |
Red Willow Creek Near Red Willow
|
3cfs |
Sappa Creek Near Stamford
|
4cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1040cfs |
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.
Helms Dam 3623