Carlson Dam

TR-CLEAR CREEK· Polk, Nebraska· Built 1983· Earth· 26 ft tall
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Carlson Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1983 and is 43 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Height 26 ft (taller than 50.7% in NE)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage265 acre-ft
Normal Storage77 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge349 cfs
Year Completed1983 (43 years old)
NID IDNE02077

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 8, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Central Platte Natural Resources District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carlson Dam?

Carlson Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Carlson Dam?

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

When was Carlson Dam built?

Carlson Dam was completed in 1983, making it 43 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 Carlson Dam?

Carlson 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 Carlson Dam?

Carlson Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Carlson Dam last inspected?

Carlson Dam was last inspected on June 8, 2021. 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.