Briscoe Dam

PLUM CREEK· Garden, Nebraska· Built 1981· Earth· 34 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Briscoe Dam is classified as significant hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 34 ft (taller than 79.7% in NE)
Dam Length813 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage387 acre-ft
Normal Storage63 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge803 cfs
Year Completed1981 (45 years old)
NID IDNE01213

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: December 1, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

North Platte Natural Resources District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Briscoe Dam?

Briscoe Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Briscoe Dam?

Briscoe Dam is owned by North Platte Natural Resources District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Briscoe Dam built?

Briscoe Dam was completed in 1981, making it 45 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Briscoe Dam?

Briscoe Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Briscoe Dam?

Briscoe Dam has a dam height of 34 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Briscoe Dam last inspected?

Briscoe Dam was last inspected on December 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.