Ruf Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Palmer Dam 3481 Huxoll Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ruf Dam, located in Nebraska along TR-BEAVER CREEK, is a privately-owned structure that serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Built in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a length of 255 feet, providing a storage capacity of 64.1 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Situated in Wilsonville, Furnas County, Nebraska, Ruf Dam is part of the Omaha District and falls under Congressional District 03, represented by Adrian Smith (R). The dam's design features stone core and soil foundation, with a surface area of 7.8 acres and a drainage area of 1.33 square miles. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, it is maintained to meet state permitting and inspection requirements, demonstrating a commitment to water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
With a normal storage capacity of 35.1 acre-feet, Ruf Dam plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks and managing water resources in the area. Its location within a rural setting underscores the importance of maintaining infrastructure to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the sustainable use of water for the community. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of dams like Ruf Dam in enhancing resilience and protecting valuable resources is essential for promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
255 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
1.33 |
Nid Storage |
64.1 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Ruf Dam