Paine Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Paine Dam, located in Furnas, Nebraska, along the TR-Republican River, was completed in 1940 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a critical structure for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

This private earth dam stands at 25 feet in height and boasts a storage capacity of 157 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 60 acre-feet. Despite its age, Paine Dam is in fair condition and has a low hazard potential, making it a reliable asset for the local community.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Paine Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a drainage area of 3.6 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 440 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region. Its location in a predominantly agricultural area underscores its importance in supporting irrigation and water supply needs for the surrounding area.

With a history of serving multiple purposes and a track record of effective water management, Paine Dam stands as a testament to the importance of efficient dam infrastructure in maintaining water resources in Nebraska. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, structures like Paine Dam play a crucial role in ensuring the resilience of local communities and ecosystems against evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

3.6

Nid Storage

157

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.