Kirby Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Kirby Dam, located in Nemaha, Nebraska, is a privately-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Buck Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 2013, this earth dam stands at a height of 23.8 feet with a structural height of 32 feet and a length of 440 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 25.2 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 76.3 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 0.47 square miles.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Kirby Dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in May 2019. The dam features stone core types and soil foundations, with a hydraulic height of 23.09 feet. While lacking a spillway, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 111 cubic feet per second. With its strategic location and effective flood risk reduction capabilities, Kirby Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential water-related emergencies and ensuring the resilience of the local ecosystem.

Year Completed

2013

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

23.8

River Or Stream

TR-BUCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.73

Hydraulic Height

23.09

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

76.3

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.