Heusman Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Meisinger Dam 2 Middle Big Nemaha 3
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Heusman Dam, located in Johnson County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 26 feet high and stretches 411 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 23 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 4 acres and draining a 0.83 square mile watershed.
Despite its low hazard potential, Heusman Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition as of May 2017. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its compliance with state regulations. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unknown, suggesting potential areas for improvement in the future.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Heusman Dam an interesting case study for its design, construction, and management by the USDA NRCS. With its important role in flood risk reduction along the TR-N FK Big Nemaha River, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure in protecting the surrounding community from potential water-related disasters. The dam's condition assessment and risk management practices offer valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to maintain and improve water infrastructure in Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
411 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-N FK BIG NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.83 |
Nid Storage |
68 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Heusman Dam