Yankee Hill Road Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Yankee Hill Road Dam, located in Seward, Nebraska, is a crucial piece of infrastructure owned by the local government to manage flood risk along the TR-N FK JOHNSON CREEK.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 18.9 feet and has a storage capacity of 112.6 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 45.4 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated it as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its long-term effectiveness.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Yankee Hill Road Dam serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, alongside other ancillary functions. The dam's location in an area with a drainage area of 1.17 square miles underscores its importance in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. While the dam has not undergone major modifications in recent years, regular inspections are conducted every 5 years to monitor its structural integrity and overall safety.

With a congressman from the 1st Congressional District of Nebraska overseeing the area, Yankee Hill Road Dam plays a critical role in safeguarding the region from water-related hazards. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to stay informed about the condition and maintenance of such infrastructure to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and protecting the local community. Monitoring the dam's condition and advocating for necessary improvements can help ensure the long-term resilience of the region in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

580

Dam Height

18.9

River Or Stream

TR-N FK JOHNSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.3

Hydraulic Height

18.9

Drainage Area

1.17

Nid Storage

112.6

Structural Height

18.9

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.