Steffen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Guenther Wortmann Road Dam Bartz Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Steffen Dam, located in Knox County, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1974 for flood risk reduction along TR-BEAVER CREEK.
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Summary
The dam stands at 27 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a length of 691 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 13 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 255 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2020, Steffen Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Steffen Dam is subject to state regulations including permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have specific spillway or lock structures, it serves as a key infrastructure for protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam's location in a drainage area of 3 square miles and its ability to handle a maximum discharge of 415 cubic feet per second highlight its importance in safeguarding the local community.
Owned by a private entity, Steffen Dam is part of the flood risk reduction strategy in the St. Paul District managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With its design and construction overseen by federal agencies, the dam's role in water resource management and climate resilience demonstrates the collaborative efforts between private owners and government entities to safeguard communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
691 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
255 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James River Nr Yankton Sd
|
752cfs |
Bazile Creek At Center
|
85cfs |
Bazile Creek Near Niobrara
|
192cfs |
Verdigre C Nr Verdigre
|
206cfs |
James R Near Scotland Sd
|
706cfs |
Vermillion River Nr Vermillion Sd
|
33cfs |
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.
Steffen Dam
South Shore