Bjerrum Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bjerrum Dam, located in Stromsburg, Nebraska, along the Big Blue River, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam has a height of 18 feet and a length of 513 feet, providing flood risk reduction and other benefits to the surrounding area. With a normal storage capacity of 21 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 290 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of June 2017. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources regulates and inspects the dam regularly, ensuring its safety and functionality. The dam's primary purpose is to serve as a flood risk reduction structure, highlighting its importance in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events in the area. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Bjerrum Dam for its vital role in water management and protection of the local community.
As a key feature in the water infrastructure of York County, Nebraska, Bjerrum Dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between private owners and government agencies in safeguarding against potential flooding and enhancing water resource management. With its strategic location along the Big Blue River and its design by the USDA NRCS, the dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in the region's efforts to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Enthusiasts in water resources and climate will find Bjerrum Dam to be a fascinating example of how engineering solutions can address environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
513 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
2.7 |
Nid Storage |
107 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Warm Slough Nr Central City
|
0cfs |
Silver Cr
|
6cfs |
Prairie Creek Nr Silver Creek Nebr
|
4cfs |
Loup River Power Canal Near Genoa
|
17cfs |
Platte River Near Duncan
|
243cfs |
Loup River Near Genoa
|
3030cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Bjerrum Dam