Fricke Farms Dam dam
Fricke Farms Dam
Located in Cowles, Nebraska, the Fricke Farms Dam stands as a testament to private ownership in the realm of flood risk reduction. Built in 1960, this earth dam spans 460 feet in length and reaches a height of 18.2 feet, utilizing stone core types and soil foundations to hold back the waters of TR-Elm Creek. With a storage capacity of 65.2 acre-feet, the dam serves as a vital protective barrier for the surrounding area, covering a drainage area of 0.48 square miles.
Maintained and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Fricke Farms Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone any modifications and continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a normal storage capacity of 7.7 acre-feet and a surface area of 5 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community from potential inundation, while also serving as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change challenges.
As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates continue to monitor and assess the impact of changing weather patterns on our natural landscape, the Fricke Farms Dam stands as a landmark of resilience and preparedness in the battle against flooding. With a strong foundation and a history of effective operation, this private-owned dam serves as a beacon of hope for communities facing increasing threats from extreme weather events. As discussions around risk management and emergency preparedness evolve, the Fricke Farms Dam remains a steadfast ally in the ongoing effort to protect lives and property from the forces of nature.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Fricke Farms Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Republican River At Guide Rock | 2 cfs | → |
| Courtland Canal At Nebraska-Kansas State Line | 41 cfs | → |
| Little Blue River Near Deweese | 60 cfs | → |
| White Rock C Nr Burr Oak | 1 cfs | → |
| Republican R Nr Hardy | 30 cfs | → |
| Republican R At Scandia | 48 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Fricke Farms Dam.
Track Fricke Farms Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Fricke Farms Dam
Where does the data for Fricke Farms Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Fricke Farms Dam.