Road 737 County Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Road 737 County Dam, located in Hayes, Nebraska, is a vital structure managed by the local government for flood risk reduction along the Burger Canyon.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 14.3 feet and completed in 1980, serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 89.2 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.67 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Road 737 County Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and efficacy. The dam has not been rated for condition assessment as of the last inspection in June 2018, but it remains an integral part of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in the area. With its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

As climate change continues to impact the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, structures like Road 737 County Dam are essential for protecting communities and ecosystems from potential flooding. With its earth construction and stone core, this dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity in managing water resources for the benefit of all. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and appreciating the role of infrastructure like Road 737 County Dam is crucial for building a more resilient and sustainable future in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

860

Dam Height

14.3

River Or Stream

BURGER CANYON

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.6

Hydraulic Height

14.3

Drainage Area

0.67

Nid Storage

89.2

Structural Height

14.3

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
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.