Summary
This privately owned earth dam, completed in 1960, stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 735 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 113.5 acre-feet and a surface area of 12.3 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Mcmillen Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 was deemed unsatisfactory, prompting regular inspections every five years. The dam's ability to control drainage and maintain water levels in the TR-Sidney Draw stream highlights its significance in mitigating potential flood risks and providing a sustainable water source for the local ecosystem.
As a part of the Omaha District and under the jurisdiction of Congressional District 03, Nebraska, Mcmillen Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and natural resource management. With its historical relevance and ongoing maintenance, the dam symbolizes the delicate balance between harnessing water resources for human needs while safeguarding the environment and surrounding communities from potential risks associated with climate change and water scarcity.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
735 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SIDNEY DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
113.5 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Platte River Near Crook
|
162cfs |
Lodgepole Creek At Bushnell
|
2cfs |
S. Platte R. At Julesburg
|
-999cfs |
South Platte River At Cooper Bridge
|
13cfs |
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.
Mcmillen Dam