Ziegler Farms Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ziegler Farms Dam, located in Nebraska along Walnut Creek, was completed in 1960 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 19.4 feet and has a storage capacity of 84.5 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 51 acre-feet. The dam spans 420 feet in length and covers a surface area of 8 acres, serving as a vital structure in the region's water resource management.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, Ziegler Farms Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. The dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, with the last inspection taking place in June 2020. With a five-year inspection frequency, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain to be determined, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of this essential flood control infrastructure in Webster County.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Ziegler Farms Dam a fascinating example of local flood risk reduction efforts, showcasing the importance of sound infrastructure design and regulatory oversight in managing water resources. As a key component of Nebraska's water management system, this earth dam plays a crucial role in protecting communities and the environment from potential flooding events, underscoring the significance of sustainable water resource practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

19.4

River Or Stream

TR-WALNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

19.4

Drainage Area

0.32

Nid Storage

84.5

Structural Height

19.4

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.