Schmidt Dam 52 Reservoir Report
Nearby: North Oak Creek 3-A Oak-Middle 63-C
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Schmidt Dam 52, located in Valparaiso, Nebraska, was completed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a crucial water management structure in Saunders County.
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Summary
The dam is primarily owned and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with a low hazard potential but poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in May 2019. Despite its age, Schmidt Dam 52 plays a key role in flood risk reduction and other water resource management purposes for the local community.
With a height of 35 feet and a length of 415 feet, Schmidt Dam 52 has a storage capacity of 107 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.6 square miles. The dam's design, made of earth and stone materials on a soil foundation, demonstrates its resilience in managing the flow of the TR-North Oak Creek. While the dam lacks certain features like a spillway and outlet gates, it remains a vital structure for water resource management in the region.
Although Schmidt Dam 52 requires improvements in its condition, its significance in mitigating flood risks and managing water resources for Valparaiso and surrounding areas cannot be understated. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, the maintenance and enhancement of dams like Schmidt Dam 52 are essential for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our water infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
415 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH OAK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
107 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Schmidt Dam 52
Meadow Lark