Mitchell Brandt Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Mitchell Brandt Dam, located in Meadow Grove, Nebraska, is a private dam designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1973, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Elkhorn River, with a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 156 acre-feet. The dam is of earth type construction with a stone core and soil foundation, measuring 529 feet in length and covering a drainage area of 1.7 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Mitchell Brandt Dam is subject to regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 616 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 26 acre-feet, serving as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the region. With its location in Antelope County and its association with the Omaha District of the USACE, Mitchell Brandt Dam plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding communities.

As an essential component of the local water management system, Mitchell Brandt Dam exemplifies the collaboration between private ownership, federal design, and state regulation in safeguarding against potential flooding events. With a focus on flood risk reduction, the dam's satisfactory condition and low hazard potential underscore its importance in maintaining water security and climate resilience in the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Mitchell Brandt Dam stands as a crucial piece of infrastructure in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community it serves.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

529

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-ELKHORN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

156

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.