Kotas Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Swanton, Nebraska, the Kotas Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management.


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Summary

Completed in 1993, this earth dam serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction and other water management activities. With a height of 16.4 meters and a length of 300 meters, the dam has a storage capacity of 69.9 million cubic meters, providing vital water resources for the surrounding area.

Managed by a private entity, the Kotas Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. It is designed to withstand low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite this, the dam is inspected biennially to ensure its structural integrity. The surrounding area benefits from the dam's ability to control the flow of the TR-N FK Swan Creek, helping to mitigate flooding and sustain a stable water supply for the community.

As a key infrastructure in the region, the Kotas Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its strategic location and design, the dam serves as a vital tool in safeguarding against flooding and ensuring a reliable water supply for the residents of Saline County, Nebraska. The ongoing maintenance and inspections highlight the commitment to maintaining the dam's integrity and functionality for years to come, making it a valuable asset in the region's water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

16.4

River Or Stream

TR-N FK SWAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.3

Hydraulic Height

16.4

Drainage Area

0.66

Nid Storage

69.9

Structural Height

16.4

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.