Mader Dam 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Merlin Mader Dam 1 Mader Dam 2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Mader Dam 3, located in Sioux, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for irrigation purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1950 by USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 18 feet with a hydraulic height of 15 feet. With a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.7 square miles, Mader Dam 3 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Mader Dam 3 is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for its condition, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for water supply and management in the area. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1540 cubic feet per second, the dam helps regulate water flow in the TR-INDIAN CREEK, benefiting local agriculture and communities.
As an essential component of the water infrastructure in Ardmore SD, Mader Dam 3 contributes to the overall water resource management in the region. With its modest surface area of 7 acres and a length of 586 feet, the dam plays a vital role in supporting irrigation activities and ensuring water availability for agricultural purposes. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and regulation of dams like Mader Dam 3 are crucial for sustainable water management in Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
586 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-INDIAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
1.7 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Mader Dam 3