Snell Canyon
Key Takeaway
Snell Canyon is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 25 ft (taller than 46.7% in NE) |
| Dam Length | 854 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 450 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 360 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 53 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,160 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | NE01038 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Middle Snell
Lincoln, NE
Low Hazard 25 ftWest Snell
Lincoln, NE
Low Hazard 37 ftLittle West Snell
Lincoln, NE
Low Hazard 26 ftWest Conroy Dam
Lincoln, NE
Low Hazard 25 ftTarget Canyon
Lincoln, NE
Low Hazard 30 ftEast Cottonwood Canyon
Lincoln, NE
Low Hazard 26 ftJeffrey Dike No 1
Lincoln, NE
Low Hazard 10 ftCottonwood Canyon
Lincoln, NE
Low Hazard 31 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Snell Canyon?
Snell Canyon 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 Snell Canyon?
Snell Canyon is owned by Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Snell Canyon built?
Snell Canyon was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Snell Canyon?
Snell Canyon serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Snell Canyon?
Snell Canyon has a dam height of 25 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 Snell Canyon last inspected?
Snell Canyon was last inspected on October 27, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.