Chadron Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Chadron Dam 1, located in Dawes, Nebraska, is a key infrastructure managed by the local government for water supply purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1888, this earth dam stands at a height of 39.9 feet and has a storage capacity of 342.7 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Chadron Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and ensuring a stable water supply for the region.

Despite its historical significance, Chadron Dam 1 is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a low hazard potential. The last inspection in April 2019 highlighted the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure the dam's safety and functionality. With a history dating back over a century, efforts are underway to address the structural issues and enhance the resilience of this vital water resource infrastructure.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Chadron Dam 1 become increasingly important. With its location in a state regulated area and under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ongoing monitoring and inspection are crucial to safeguarding the dam's integrity and optimizing its performance for water supply management in the region.

Year Completed

1888

Dam Length

3731

Dam Height

39.9

River Or Stream

TR-CHADRON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.5

Hydraulic Height

39.9

Drainage Area

0.03

Nid Storage

342.7

Structural Height

39.9

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.
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