Herpolsheimer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Herpolsheimer Dam, located in Seward, Nebraska, is a concrete structure primarily used for irrigation purposes along the Big Blue River.


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Summary

Completed in 1956, the dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. While the dam has a low hazard potential, its condition assessment is poor as of the last inspection in April 2019.

Managed by a private owner, the Herpolsheimer Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its intended purpose of providing water for irrigation in the surrounding area. Positioned within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and supporting agricultural activities.

With a drainage area of 594 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 170 cubic feet per second, the Herpolsheimer Dam remains a significant feature in the local water infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance and condition of dams like Herpolsheimer is vital for ensuring sustainable water management practices and mitigating potential risks associated with aging infrastructure.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

BIG BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

19

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

594

Nid Storage

130

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Herpolsheimer DamWEST FORK BIG BLUE RIVER NR DORCHESTER Preview West Fork Big Blue River Nr Dorchester
39.3cfs
39cfs
Herpolsheimer DamOAK CREEK AT AIR PARK RD AT LINCOLN Preview Oak Creek At Air Park Rd At Lincoln
15.1cfs
15cfs
Herpolsheimer DamMIDDLE CREEK AT SW 40th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Middle Creek At Sw 40th St. At Lincoln
1.26cfs
1cfs
Herpolsheimer DamHAINES BRANCH AT SW 56th ST. AT LINCOLN Preview Haines Branch At Sw 56th St. At Lincoln
1.33cfs
1cfs
Herpolsheimer DamLITTLE SALT CREEK NEAR LINCOLN Preview Little Salt Creek Near Lincoln
3.49cfs
3cfs
Herpolsheimer DamSALT CREEK AT LINCOLN Preview Salt Creek At Lincoln
68.9cfs
69cfs

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.
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Nearby Reservoirs