Mcdaniel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Mcdaniel Dam, located in Gage, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2000 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 19.5 feet with a length of 544 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 51.4 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.09 square miles along the TR-Big Indian Creek. Despite being a low hazard potential structure, the dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.

The dam, situated in Congressional District 03, Nebraska, is designed to withstand hydraulic pressures and serve its primary purpose effectively. With a normal storage capacity of 4.2 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.5 acres, Mcdaniel Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. The dam's condition is currently not rated, but regular inspections every five years help monitor any potential risks and ensure that necessary maintenance measures are implemented promptly.

As a key feature in the local landscape, Mcdaniel Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water storage and protection, contributing to the overall resilience of the area against climate-related challenges. With its significance in fire protection and supporting aquatic life, the dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate adaptation efforts. As enthusiasts in water resources and climate, understanding the importance of structures like Mcdaniel Dam sheds light on the intricate balance between human needs and environmental sustainability in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

544

Dam Height

19.5

River Or Stream

TR-BIG INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Hydraulic Height

19.5

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

51.4

Structural Height

19.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.