Otto Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Otto Dam, located in Hamilton County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Completed in 1971, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a hydraulic height of 15 feet, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.8 square miles, Otto Dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and ensuring a stable water supply for agricultural needs.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Otto Dam has a low hazard potential and has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of June 2017. The dam, standing at a structural height of 17 feet and a length of 560 feet, is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 225 cubic feet per second, providing flood protection and water storage capabilities. With state regulation, inspection, and enforcement in place, Otto Dam is a well-maintained structure contributing to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

In the event of an emergency, Otto Dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures are yet to be fully disclosed, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and preparedness. With its stone core foundation and soil base, Otto Dam is a significant asset for the community, supported by federal agency designers and state permitting processes. As a key irrigation infrastructure in Nebraska, Otto Dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management, climate adaptation, and regulatory oversight in safeguarding critical water supplies for agricultural and ecological sustainability.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

58

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.