Farwell 2-3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Farwell 2-3 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Elba, Nebraska, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1965, this dam stands at a height of 27 feet with a hydraulic height of 26 feet and a structural height of 31 feet, providing flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. With a normal storage capacity of 25 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.6 square miles, Farwell 2-3 plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential flooding events in the region.

The dam has a low hazard potential and is considered to be in satisfactory condition, as indicated by the most recent inspection in April 2020. It has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 380 cubic feet per second, serving as a key infrastructure for water management in the area. The surrounding area, including the Auger Creek, benefits from the dam's flood risk reduction capabilities, showcasing the importance of well-maintained water resource infrastructure in ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in the face of climate challenges.

Farwell 2-3 is an essential piece of infrastructure in Howard County, Nebraska, providing not only flood risk reduction but also contributing to the overall water management efforts in the region. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam has been serving its purpose effectively since its completion, highlighting the importance of ongoing inspection and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Farwell 2-3 play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the threats of flooding and water scarcity.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

234

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

AUGER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

60

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.