Zehr Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Box Elder Creek 5-A Rhoadarmer Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Zehr Dam, located in Buffalo County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure primarily designed for flood risk reduction along the TR-BOXELDER CREEK.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 276 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 55.2 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure its long-term functionality.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Zehr Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement measures to guarantee its structural integrity and public safety. The dam's primary purpose remains flood risk reduction, serving as a vital infrastructure component in mitigating potential flooding events in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the importance of maintaining and upgrading dams like Zehr becomes increasingly crucial for sustainable water management and disaster prevention efforts.
With a designated inspection frequency of five years, Zehr Dam's last assessment in April 2020 highlighted its poor condition and the need for future risk management measures. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the state of dams like Zehr is essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities in safeguarding our communities against the impacts of extreme weather events and rising water levels. As discussions around infrastructure resilience and climate adaptation strategies grow, Zehr Dam stands as a reminder of the critical role that sustainable water management plays in building a more resilient and secure future for all.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
276 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR- BOXELDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
55.2 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Loup R At St. Michael
|
178cfs |
Platte River Near Kearney
|
589cfs |
Platte River Near Grand Island
|
1450cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Middle Loup R. At St. Paul
|
1520cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1500cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Windmill State Rec Area
|
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War Axe State Rec Area
|
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Ravenna Lake State Rec Area
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Zehr Dam