Sandman Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sandman Dam, located in Edison, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along the TR-DRY CREEK stream.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 13.9 feet and has a storage capacity of 97.6 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 83.2 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 rated it as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating floods in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Sandman Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to uphold safety standards and minimize risks to the surrounding community. The dam's location in Furnas County, Nebraska, makes it a critical infrastructure for protecting local residents and properties from potential flooding events. With a history of periodic inspections and a designated emergency action plan, Sandman Dam is a vital component of the region's water resource management strategy, despite its current poor condition assessment.
As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the importance of maintaining and potentially upgrading structures like Sandman Dam becomes even more pressing. With ongoing oversight from regulatory agencies and a commitment to addressing its poor condition, Sandman Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage water resources and climate risks in Nebraska's Furnas County.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
230 |
Dam Height |
13.9 |
River Or Stream |
TR-DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.9 |
Drainage Area |
2.4 |
Nid Storage |
97.6 |
Structural Height |
13.9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Beaver Creek Near Beaver City
|
1cfs |
Republican River At Cambridge
|
60cfs |
Sappa Creek Near Stamford
|
4cfs |
Republican River Near Orleans
|
59cfs |
Sappa C Nr Lyle
|
1cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1040cfs |
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.
Sandman Dam