Zalesky Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Fork Swan Creek 4-2 Jarchow Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Zalesky Dam, located in Jefferson, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure that was completed in 1980 to serve the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This earth dam, with a height of 24.6 feet and a length of 307 feet, stands along the TR-S FK SWAN CREEK, providing essential protection to the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 75.2 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 34 feet, Zalesky Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential flood risks in the region.
Despite its important function, Zalesky Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition, with a low hazard potential. The last inspection in March 2017 highlighted the need for improvements to ensure the dam's continued effectiveness in protecting the community. With the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources overseeing regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement, efforts are ongoing to address the dam's structural deficiencies and enhance its resilience to climate-related challenges. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Zalesky Dam in safeguarding the local area and the efforts being made to secure its long-term functionality.
As a key infrastructure in the area, Zalesky Dam also holds historical and environmental significance. Its location within the Omaha District and Congressional District 03, Nebraska, underscores its importance in the regional water management system. With its earth and stone construction, Zalesky Dam represents a blend of engineering ingenuity and natural materials, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. By understanding and supporting the maintenance and improvement of structures like Zalesky Dam, enthusiasts can contribute to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
307 |
Dam Height |
24.6 |
River Or Stream |
TR-S FK SWAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
24.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.47 |
Nid Storage |
75.2 |
Structural Height |
24.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Zalesky Dam
Willard L. Meyer Rec. Area