Drake Dam

FOSTER CREEK· Harlan, Nebraska· Built 1951· Earth· 14 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Drake Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 7.8% in NE)
Dam Length520 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage102 acre-ft
Normal Storage32 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Max Discharge388 cfs
Year Completed1951 (75 years old)
NID IDNE01358

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: August 15, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Drake Family LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Drake Dam?

Drake 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 Drake Dam?

Drake Dam is owned by Drake Family LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Drake Dam built?

Drake Dam was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Drake Dam?

Drake Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Drake Dam?

Drake Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Drake Dam last inspected?

Drake Dam was last inspected on August 15, 2019. 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.