Nelson Detention Dam
Nelson Detention Dam is an earth dam located in Washington County, Nebraska, built in 1957. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Nelson Detention Dam
The primary purpose of Nelson Detention Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Mary Lou Chapek Rev Trust (private). It impounds the Turkey Creek near Omaha.
The dam stands 52 feet tall and stretches 282 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 111 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1957, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. The most recent inspection on record was 04/14/2022.
At 52 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Washington |
| Nearest City | Omaha |
| River/Stream | Turkey Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.42763, -96.02406 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 282 ft |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 111 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 111 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 44 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 645 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Mary Lou Chapek Rev Trust |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 04/14/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NE00460 |
| Federal ID | NE00460 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |