Adamson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Adamson Dam, located in Cherry County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the Diamond Bar Drainage Ditch.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at 14 feet high with a length of 290 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1318 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 7.4 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 rated it as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvement measures.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Adamson Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, aligning with its construction and design as an earth dam with stone core and soil foundation. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its location in the Omaha District and association with the Natural Resources Conservation Service indicate ongoing oversight and monitoring to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a normal storage capacity of 935 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 131 cubic feet per second, Adamson Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region.

Despite its essential role in flood risk management, Adamson Dam faces challenges in maintaining its condition and operational effectiveness. With a poor condition assessment in 2018 and a low hazard potential, the dam requires attention to address potential safety risks and ensure its continued functionality. Regular inspections and maintenance activities, along with potential rehabilitation efforts, will be crucial in enhancing the resilience of Adamson Dam and safeguarding the surrounding community from flood hazards. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of infrastructure like Adamson Dam in protecting lives and property underscores the need for proactive management and investment in sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

DIAMOND BAR DRAINAGE DITCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

143

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

7.4

Nid Storage

1318

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
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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.