Smith Creek Beckler Dam

SMITH CREEK· Seward, Nebraska· Built 1983· Earth· 31 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Smith Creek Beckler Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1983 and is 43 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 70.5% in NE)
Dam Length715 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage333 acre-ft
Normal Storage142 acre-ft
Surface Area44 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge680 cfs
Year Completed1983 (43 years old)
NID IDNE01861

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: May 29, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Smith Creek Beckler Dam?

Smith Creek Beckler 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 Smith Creek Beckler Dam?

Smith Creek Beckler Dam is owned by Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Smith Creek Beckler Dam built?

Smith Creek Beckler 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 Smith Creek Beckler Dam?

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

How tall is Smith Creek Beckler Dam?

Smith Creek Beckler Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Smith Creek Beckler Dam last inspected?

Smith Creek Beckler Dam was last inspected on May 29, 2020. 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.