Isham Dam

TR-BEAVER CREEK· Sheridan, Nebraska· Built 1953· Earth· 26 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Isham Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 26 ft (taller than 50.7% in NE)
Dam Length502 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage619 acre-ft
Normal Storage435 acre-ft
Surface Area42 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Max Discharge1,400 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDNE00788

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: April 20, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

R Will Isham Cattle Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Isham Dam?

Isham 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 Isham Dam?

Isham Dam is owned by R Will Isham Cattle Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Isham Dam built?

Isham Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Isham Dam?

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

How tall is Isham Dam?

Isham 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 Isham Dam last inspected?

Isham Dam was last inspected on April 20, 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.