Petersen Dam 4028 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Petersen Dam 4028, located in Nuckolls, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along the Republican River.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 20.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 53.8 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 15.7 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition as of the last inspection in April 2017.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NE DNR), Petersen Dam 4028 serves as a vital infrastructure component within the region, ensuring protection against potential flooding events. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a focus on safeguarding the surrounding areas from water damage during periods of elevated streamflow. Although the dam's condition assessment raises some concerns, ongoing state oversight and enforcement activities help to maintain its operational integrity.
With a drainage area of 0.14 square miles and a surface area of 3.4 acres, Petersen Dam 4028 stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in mitigating natural hazards. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme events, the role of structures like Petersen Dam in safeguarding communities becomes increasingly significant. By prioritizing regular inspections and maintenance, stakeholders can ensure the long-term resilience of this essential flood control infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
355 |
Dam Height |
20.6 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
20.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.14 |
Nid Storage |
53.8 |
Structural Height |
20.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Petersen Dam 4028