Ash Hollow Dry Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Ash Hollow Dry Dam, located in Waverly, Nebraska, is a vital flood risk reduction structure designed by Olsson Associates and completed in 2017.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a hydraulic height of 31.81 feet, providing protection for the surrounding area along Ash Hollow Creek. With a storage capacity of 1744.4 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.88 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of potential flooding events in the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Ash Hollow Dry Dam is inspected regularly to ensure its satisfactory condition and high hazard potential are maintained. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a critical infrastructure in safeguarding the community against potential water-related disasters. With a surface area of 0.3 acres and a normal storage capacity of 0.6 acre-feet, the dam's strategic location and design contribute significantly to the overall safety and resilience of the area.

As a key component of the flood management system in Lancaster County, Nebraska, Ash Hollow Dry Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the city of Waverly and its residents from the devastating effects of flooding. With its impressive structural height of 39 feet and a length of 2384 feet, the dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. Through ongoing inspections, maintenance, and regulatory oversight, the dam continues to uphold its vital function in safeguarding the local community and mitigating the risks associated with potential flooding events.

Year Completed

2017

Dam Length

2384

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

Ash Hollow Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.3

Hydraulic Height

31.81

Drainage Area

2.88

Nid Storage

1744.4

Structural Height

39

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

39
       
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.