Nelsen Dam 4038 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nelsen Dam 4038, located in Stockville, Nebraska, along the TR-Medicine Creek, was completed in 1980 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 22.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 164.4 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 61.1 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 rated it as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential repairs to ensure its effectiveness in managing flood risks in the area.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Nelsen Dam 4038 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam's location in Frontier County, Nebraska, within Congressional District 03, underscores its importance in safeguarding the local community and infrastructure from the impacts of extreme weather events. With State regulatory agencies overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement, Nelsen Dam 4038 remains a key asset in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor Nelsen Dam 4038, its structural integrity and maintenance practices will be of paramount importance in ensuring its continued functionality in flood risk reduction. The dam's association with the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers adds another layer of oversight and support to its operations. With the potential for future modifications and risk management measures, Nelsen Dam 4038 stands as a vital component in the region's water infrastructure, highlighting the intersection of engineering, policy, and environmental stewardship in addressing climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

615

Dam Height

22.6

River Or Stream

TR-MEDICINE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.8

Hydraulic Height

22.6

Drainage Area

4.5

Nid Storage

164.4

Structural Height

22.6

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.