Fischer Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jacobitz Dam Mau Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Fischer Dam, located in Thayer, Nebraska, is a vital piece of infrastructure designed and built by the USDA NRCS in 1970 for flood risk reduction along the TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 27 feet tall and stretches 486 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 148 acre-feet. Despite its poor condition assessment in 2019, the dam's hazard potential remains low, providing a sense of security to the surrounding areas.
Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Fischer Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement actively in place. While the dam's current condition may raise some concerns, its primary purpose of flood risk reduction serves as a crucial safeguard for the community against potential water-related disasters. The dam's strategic location, managed by private owners, plays a significant role in protecting Fairbury and its residents from the destructive forces of flooding.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, structures like Fischer Dam play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. With a history of reliable performance and ongoing state oversight, Fischer Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and the importance of infrastructure in adapting to a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
486 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
148 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Blue River Near Fairbury
|
230cfs |
Republican R Nr Hardy
|
97cfs |
Republican R At Scandia
|
110cfs |
Little Blue R At Hollenberg
|
70cfs |
Mill C At Washington
|
8cfs |
Little Blue River Near Deweese
|
40cfs |
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.
Fischer Dam