Berner Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wilson Creek 2-S Wilson Creek 2-14
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Berner Dam, located in Nebraska along the TR-N FK Little Nemaha River, was completed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS to serve as a flood risk reduction structure.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 26 feet in height and stretches 530 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. Despite being designated as a low-hazard potential structure, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of 2016.
Operated by the local government, specifically the NE DNR, Berner Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Its primary purpose extends beyond flood risk reduction to include other functions as well. Although it has not been significantly modified over the years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures, such as an EAP and inundation maps, the dam remains a vital piece of infrastructure in safeguarding the surrounding Otoe, Nebraska area from potential water-related disasters. For enthusiasts of water resources and climate, Berner Dam serves as a tangible example of the ongoing efforts to manage and protect water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-N FK LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
22500cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
5580cfs |
Salt Creek At Greenwood
|
125cfs |
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
1350cfs |
Platte R Nr Ashland
|
6290cfs |
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.
Berner Dam