Nebel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Nebel Dam, located in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, was completed in 1980 and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock maintenance, and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with a low hazard potential and poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2017. With a height of 19.1 feet and a storage capacity of 113.8 acre-feet, Nebel Dam is essential for water resource management in the area.

Situated on the TR-Cedar River, Nebel Dam covers a surface area of 16.6 acres and has a drainage area of 5.01 square miles. Despite its poor condition assessment, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water for fire protection, stock maintenance, and recreational fishing. With its proximity to the Omaha District and Congressional District 03 in Nebraska, Nebel Dam's importance extends beyond its local watershed, making it a noteworthy structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and monitor.

As a privately owned and state-regulated earth dam, Nebel Dam's significance lies in its contribution to water storage, flood control, and ecosystem support in the Boone County region. While its condition may warrant attention and potential upgrades, the dam remains a vital component of the local water infrastructure, showcasing the intersection of human development and environmental stewardship in managing water resources for multiple benefits.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

19.1

River Or Stream

TR-CEDAR RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16.6

Hydraulic Height

19.1

Drainage Area

5.01

Nid Storage

113.8

Structural Height

19.1

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.