Volk Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bertrand Dam Rutt Herefords Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Volk Dam, located in Franklin, Nebraska, is a private earth dam completed in 1960 with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 14.6 feet and with a length of 525 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 53.5 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 20.9 acre-feet. The dam sits on the TR-W Branch of Thompson Creek and is under the regulatory oversight of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
Despite its low hazard potential, Volk Dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed in May 2018. The dam lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and has not been updated recently in terms of emergency contacts, inundation maps, or risk management measures. However, the dam is inspected every 10 years to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. With its unique location and purpose, Volk Dam serves as a vital resource for fire protection and wildlife in the area, making it an essential part of the local ecosystem and water management infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
14.6 |
River Or Stream |
TR-W BR THOMPSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.53 |
Nid Storage |
53.5 |
Structural Height |
14.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Platte River Near Kearney
|
1810cfs |
Republican River Near Orleans
|
59cfs |
Republican River At Guide Rock
|
35cfs |
Sappa Creek Near Stamford
|
4cfs |
Prairie Dog C Nr Woodruff
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1190cfs |
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.
Volk Dam