Retzlaff Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Retzlaff Dam, located in Otoe County, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1980 with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or serving as a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 24.5 feet and a length of 480 feet, has a normal storage capacity of 10.1 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 51.4 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Situated on the TR-Little Nemaha River, Retzlaff Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, covering a surface area of 4.5 acres and draining a 0.28 square mile watershed. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to periodic inspections every five years to assess its condition and maintenance needs. The dam's location in Douglas, Nebraska, under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency, highlights its importance in providing essential services like fire protection and water storage for local communities.

As a water resource and climate enthusiast, the significance of Retzlaff Dam lies in its multifaceted role in safeguarding the surrounding area against potential hazards while also serving as a reservoir for various purposes. With its strategic location and low hazard potential, the dam stands as a testament to effective water management practices and underscores the importance of maintaining infrastructure to support sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

24.5

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.5

Hydraulic Height

24.5

Drainage Area

0.28

Nid Storage

51.4

Structural Height

24.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.