Snethen Dam 5235 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Snethen Dam 5235, located in Richardson, Nebraska, serves a crucial role in flood risk reduction along the TR-Muddy Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1980, this private earth dam stands at a height of 26.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 66.6 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 40.5 acre-feet. The dam spans 530 feet in length and covers a surface area of 5.1 acres, with a drainage area of 0.59 square miles.

Despite its important function, the dam is currently rated as having a low hazard potential and poor condition, based on a 2017 inspection. The State of Nebraska regulates and inspects the structure, ensuring its compliance with safety standards. The dam's proximity to a residential area underscores the need for regular maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential risks. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Snethen Dam 5235 to be a significant infrastructure contributing to flood control efforts in the region, despite its current condition assessment.

As a key element in the flood risk management of the area, Snethen Dam 5235 plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding community from potential water-related disasters. The dam's design and construction, overseen by private entities, highlight the collaborative effort required to safeguard against flooding events. With its strategic location and purposeful function, this earth dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate adaptation in the face of changing environmental conditions. Enthusiasts in these fields will appreciate the intricate balance between infrastructure development and nature conservation embodied by Snethen Dam 5235.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

530

Dam Height

26.5

River Or Stream

TR-MUDDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.1

Hydraulic Height

26.5

Drainage Area

0.59

Nid Storage

66.6

Structural Height

26.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.