Olson Dam 1270

TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER· Kearney, Nebraska· Built 1973· Earth· 27 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Olson Dam 1270 is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 55% in NE)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage107 acre-ft
Normal Storage37 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge480 cfs
Year Completed1973 (53 years old)
NID IDNE01270

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: July 20, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Lee & Lisa Herrick Trustees

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Olson Dam 1270?

Olson Dam 1270 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 Olson Dam 1270?

Olson Dam 1270 is owned by Lee & Lisa Herrick Trustees (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Olson Dam 1270 built?

Olson Dam 1270 was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Olson Dam 1270?

Olson Dam 1270 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 Olson Dam 1270?

Olson Dam 1270 has a dam height of 27 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 Olson Dam 1270 last inspected?

Olson Dam 1270 was last inspected on July 20, 2023. 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.