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. 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.