Nelson Dam 9859 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Highway 4 Dam Ruttman-Brown Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Nelson Dam 9859, located in Angus, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure built in 1960 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 21.3 feet along the TR-Little Blue River and has a storage capacity of 89.9 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Nuckolls County.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Nelson Dam 9859 is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's location in a relatively rural area with a small drainage area of 1.07 square miles highlights its importance in protecting nearby communities from potential flooding events. Although the dam has not been rated for its condition, regular inspections are conducted every five years to monitor its performance and maintenance needs.
As a key infrastructure in the region's water management system, Nelson Dam 9859 serves as a vital tool in flood mitigation and water resource conservation efforts. Its strategic placement along the Little Blue River, combined with state oversight and regulation, underscores the importance of this structure in safeguarding the local environment and communities from the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
408 |
Dam Height |
21.3 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
21.3 |
Drainage Area |
1.07 |
Nid Storage |
89.9 |
Structural Height |
21.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Nelson Dam 9859