Van Pelt Dam

TR-SALT CREEK· Lancaster, Nebraska· Built 1966· Earth· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Private

Key Takeaway

Van Pelt Dam is classified as low hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 10.3% in NE)
Dam Length670 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage116 acre-ft
Normal Storage11 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,441 cfs
Year Completed1966 (60 years old)
NID IDNE00537

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 25, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Carter Van Pelt

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Van Pelt Dam?

Van Pelt 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 Van Pelt Dam?

Van Pelt Dam is owned by Carter Van Pelt (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Van Pelt Dam built?

Van Pelt Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Van Pelt Dam?

Van Pelt 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 Van Pelt Dam?

Van Pelt Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Van Pelt Dam last inspected?

Van Pelt Dam was last inspected on May 25, 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.