Schaefer Dam 1

TR-SOWBELLY CREEK· Sioux, Nebraska· Built 1933· Earth· 18 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Schaefer Dam 1 is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1933 and is 93 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 20.6% in NE)
Dam Length1,609 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage102 acre-ft
Normal Storage54 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge210 cfs
Year Completed1933 (93 years old)
NID IDNE02665

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 8, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Michael E & Margaret A Smith

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Schaefer Dam 1?

Schaefer Dam 1 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 Schaefer Dam 1?

Schaefer Dam 1 is owned by Michael E & Margaret A Smith (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Schaefer Dam 1 built?

Schaefer Dam 1 was completed in 1933, making it 93 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 Schaefer Dam 1?

Schaefer Dam 1 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 Schaefer Dam 1?

Schaefer Dam 1 has a dam height of 18 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 Schaefer Dam 1 last inspected?

Schaefer Dam 1 was last inspected on April 8, 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.