Dominy Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Dominy Dam, located in Nemaha, Nebraska, was completed in 1958 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

The earth dam, standing at a height of 25 feet and stretching 470 feet in length, holds a maximum storage capacity of 85 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed poor conditions, prompting a closer inspection and potential maintenance efforts to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Managed by private owners, Dominy Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure compliance with safety standards. The dam is situated along the TR-Houchen Creek and falls under the oversight of the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Although lacking associated structures, the dam's role in providing essential water resources for local use highlights its importance in the region's water management and conservation efforts.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Dominy Dam's historical significance and ongoing role in supporting the surrounding community's needs. As a vital part of the local water infrastructure, the dam's maintenance and upkeep are crucial for ensuring water availability for firefighting, livestock, and recreational purposes. With a focus on safety and sustainability, continued monitoring and potential upgrades will be essential to secure the dam's longevity and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions and increasing demand for water resources.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-HOUCHEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

85

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.