Travnicek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Travnicek Dam, located in Crete, Nebraska, along the Big Blue River, was completed in 1960 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This privately-owned earth dam, standing at a height of 18.7 feet, serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued effectiveness in managing flood risks.

With a storage capacity of 55.6 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.54 square miles, Travnicek Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. However, its poor condition raises concerns about its long-term reliability and effectiveness. The dam's location in Saline County, Nebraska, and its designation as a state-regulated structure under the supervision of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and stability of this essential water resource infrastructure.

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency and intensity of extreme events, the proper management and upkeep of dams like Travnicek Dam become even more critical. Water resource and climate enthusiasts are urged to stay informed about the condition of such infrastructure and advocate for necessary investments in maintenance and improvements to enhance resilience and safeguard communities against the growing threats posed by climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

18.7

River Or Stream

TR-BIG BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.3

Hydraulic Height

18.7

Drainage Area

0.54

Nid Storage

55.6

Structural Height

18.7

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.