Downer Brothers Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Downer Brothers Dam in Banner, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS that serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet with a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a length of 595 feet. Located on TR-Pumpkinseed Creek, it has a storage capacity of 44 acre-feet and a normal storage of 30 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 3 acres and draining a 0.3 square mile area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Downer Brothers Dam received a poor condition assessment in October 2017. The dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes state inspections and enforcement. The structure has not been modified in recent years and lacks emergency action preparedness measures, including inundation maps and risk management protocols. With a notable association with flood risk reduction, this dam is a crucial component of water resource management in the region.
Owned by a private entity, Downer Brothers Dam plays a key role in mitigating flood risks in the area and protecting the surrounding landscape from potential inundation. With its stone core and soil foundation, this structure requires attention to address its poor condition and lack of emergency preparedness. As a significant part of the local water resource infrastructure, the dam's inspection and maintenance are vital to ensuring the safety and security of the community it serves.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
595 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PUMPKINSEED CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
44 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Downer Brothers Dam