Nelssen Dam, located in Inavale, Nebraska, along the Walnut Creek, is a privately owned earth dam primarily designed for flood risk reduction. Completed in 1980, this dam stands at 13.4 feet high and spans a length of 325 feet, with a storage capacity of 77.1 acre-feet. Its normal storage capacity is 52 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 10.2 acres and serving a drainage area of 2.72 square miles. With a low hazard potential, Nelssen Dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in November 2018.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Nelssen Dam is state-regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite not having a spillway, outlet gates, or associated structures, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam's location in Webster County, Nebraska, under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District, makes it a key infrastructure for protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

Nelssen Dam's presence highlights the importance of private ownership in managing water resources and climate-related risks. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, purpose, and regulatory framework of such structures is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. The low hazard potential and state oversight of Nelssen Dam underscore its significance in safeguarding the local environment and community from potential flood hazards.