Tom Sherman Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Tom Sherman Dam, located in Hamilton County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1972, this earth dam stands at 30 feet high with a hydraulic height of 21 feet, providing flood risk reduction and other purposes along the TR-Platte River. With a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 5 acres and has a maximum discharge of 273 cubic feet per second.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was deemed fair. Regular inspections occur every 5 years, with the last inspection taking place in June 2017. Although no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and continues to serve its intended functions effectively. With a risk management plan yet to be developed, it remains essential for stakeholders to stay vigilant and ensure the proper maintenance and upkeep of Tom Sherman Dam to mitigate any potential risks in the future.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-PLATTE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

83

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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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