Imperial Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Imperial Dam, located on the Frenchman River in Nebraska, was completed in 1917 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at 21 feet in height with a length of 1260 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 960 acre-feet. While the dam's hazard potential is rated as low, its condition assessment is listed as poor as of the last inspection in 2016.

The dam is owned by the local government and falls under the regulatory authority of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. Despite its age, Imperial Dam continues to serve as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. With its picturesque surroundings and historical significance, the dam remains a key feature in the water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the region.

Imperial Dam's role in providing both recreational opportunities and water management highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure to ensure its continued safety and functionality. As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure resilience, ongoing inspections and potential upgrades will be crucial to safeguarding this valuable asset for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1917

Dam Length

1260

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

FRENCHMAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

10

Nid Storage

960

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.