Buescher Dam 3992 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tumbleson Dam Jerry Menke Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Buescher Dam 3992, located in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure built in 1960 primarily for flood risk reduction along the TR-ELK CREEK.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 17.9 feet and a length of 300 feet, this earth dam has a storage capacity of 60.5 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 41.1 acre-feet and a surface area of 7.1 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, emphasizing the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its effectiveness in reducing flood risks.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Buescher Dam 3992 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to uphold safety standards and mitigate potential hazards. However, the dam's poor condition assessment highlights the importance of regular maintenance and potential rehabilitation efforts to enhance its structural integrity and performance in flood risk reduction. With a history of serving its primary purpose effectively, this dam serves as a crucial infrastructure in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential inundation during extreme weather events.
Although currently in a state of disrepair, Buescher Dam 3992 remains a vital component in the flood risk management infrastructure of Nuckolls County, Nebraska. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to recognize the significance of maintaining and improving such structures to ensure their continued functionality and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions and increased flood risks. By prioritizing the rehabilitation and upkeep of dams like Buescher Dam 3992, we can better protect communities and ecosystems from the devastating impacts of flooding while fostering sustainable water resource management practices for the future.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
17.9 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
17.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.22 |
Nid Storage |
60.5 |
Structural Height |
17.9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Buescher Dam 3992