Plooster Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Plooster Dam, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure primarily built for flood risk reduction along the TR-ELK CREEK.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 22.9 feet and has a length of 440 feet, with a storage capacity of 59.4 acre-feet. The dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events, making it an essential piece of infrastructure in the region.

Managed by the NE DNR and regulated by the state of Nebraska, Plooster Dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential, although its condition assessment remains ungraded. Regular inspections are conducted every three years to ensure the dam's structural integrity and overall safety. Despite not having a spillway or outlet gates specified, the dam's design and purpose focus on flood risk reduction, highlighting its importance in managing water resources in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Plooster Dam serves as a noteworthy example of infrastructure designed to mitigate flood risks and protect communities from potential water-related disasters. With its strategic location and storage capacity, this earth dam stands as a vital asset in the region's water management and flood control efforts, showcasing the intersection of engineering, environmental conservation, and public safety in safeguarding against the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

22.9

River Or Stream

TR-ELK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.8

Hydraulic Height

22.9

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

59.4

Structural Height

22.9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.