Fahrenholtz Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Fahrenholtz Dam, located in Dixon County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Completed in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 19.8 feet and has a storage capacity of 50.4 acre-feet, serving primarily for flood risk reduction along TR-South Creek. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as poor during the last inspection in 2016, indicating a need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Situated in a rural area near Martinsburg, Fahrenholtz Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. With a drainage area of 0.57 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 26 cubic feet per second, this structure serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in protecting local communities and supporting sustainable water management practices. While the dam's condition assessment raises concerns, ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight by the Nebraska DNR help to ensure the safety and reliability of this important resource.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and extreme weather events become more frequent, the proper maintenance and operation of dams like Fahrenholtz Dam are essential for safeguarding communities and ecosystems. With a focus on improving its condition and enhancing its performance, stakeholders can work together to strengthen the resilience of this critical infrastructure and address the evolving challenges posed by a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
324 |
Dam Height |
19.8 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.57 |
Nid Storage |
50.4 |
Structural Height |
19.8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Logan Creek At Wakefield
|
149cfs |
Omaha Cr At Homer
|
45cfs |
Missouri River At Sioux City
|
15100cfs |
Vermillion River Nr Vermillion Sd
|
33cfs |
South Omaha Creek At Walthill
|
11cfs |
Elkhorn River At Pilger
|
633cfs |
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.
Fahrenholtz Dam