Ross Canyon Dam
Ross Canyon Dam is an earth dam located in Morrill County, Nebraska, built in 1960. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Ross Canyon Dam
The primary purpose of Ross Canyon 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 Pathfinder Irrigation District (local government). It impounds the Tr-moffat Drain near Bayard.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 1,047 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 468 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1960, 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 03/24/2023.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Nebraska |
| County | Morrill |
| Nearest City | Bayard |
| River/Stream | Tr-moffat Drain |
| Coordinates | 41.90206, -103.35006 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,047 ft |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 468 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 468 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,920 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Pathfinder Irrigation District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/24/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NE00161 |
| Federal ID | NE00161 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |