Mccarthy Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

McCarthy Dam, located in Omaha, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 0.7 square miles and a maximum discharge of 400 cubic feet per second, McCarthy Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite being regulated and inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, McCarthy Dam currently has a poor condition assessment and a low hazard potential. The last inspection in June 2019 raised concerns about its structural integrity, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and enhancing infrastructure like McCarthy Dam becomes even more critical.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor the condition and maintenance of structures like McCarthy Dam to mitigate potential risks and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Collaboration between private owners, state agencies, and federal entities like the USDA NRCS is key to ensuring the resilience of dams and other water management systems in the face of evolving climate challenges. McCarthy Dam stands as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to safeguard our water resources and communities in the midst of a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

127

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-MISSOURI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

35

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.