Syesbing Dam

TR-BIG BLUE RIVER· Butler, Nebraska· Built 1982· Earth· 32 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Syesbing Dam is classified as significant hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1982 and is 44 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 73.9% in NE)
Dam Length880 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage279 acre-ft
Surface Area71 acres
Drainage Area12 sq mi
Max Discharge6,650 cfs
Year Completed1982 (44 years old)
NID IDNE00310

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 6, 2021
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 Syesbing Dam?

Syesbing Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Syesbing Dam?

Syesbing 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 Syesbing Dam built?

Syesbing Dam was completed in 1982, making it 44 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 Syesbing Dam?

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

How tall is Syesbing Dam?

Syesbing Dam has a dam height of 32 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 Syesbing Dam last inspected?

Syesbing Dam was last inspected on May 6, 2021. 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.