Johnson Detention Dam 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wineland Dam Ten Bensel Dam 3484
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Johnson Detention Dam 3, located in Furnas, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1958.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 36 feet with a hydraulic height of 35 feet, this dam primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Republican River. With a storage capacity of 996 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6.8 square miles, Johnson Detention Dam 3 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding area.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, this dam has a significant hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in October 2018. The dam spans 712 feet in length and covers a surface area of 14.5 acres. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1488 cubic feet per second, Johnson Detention Dam 3 is equipped to handle substantial water flow during periods of high precipitation. Its strategic location and design make it an essential asset for water resource and climate management enthusiasts interested in flood control infrastructure.
The dam's compliance with state regulations, inspection frequency of every 5 years, and enforcement measures ensure its ongoing effectiveness in flood risk reduction. Despite the potential hazards associated with its size and location, Johnson Detention Dam 3 remains a vital component of the region's water resource infrastructure. Its role in safeguarding communities, farmland, and natural habitats along the TR-Republican River highlights the importance of proactive climate and water resource management strategies in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
712 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
6.8 |
Nid Storage |
996 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Johnson Detention Dam 3