Semler Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Semler Dam, located in Custer County, Nebraska, is a crucial infrastructure owned by the local government for irrigation purposes along the Middle Loup River.
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Summary
This earth-type dam stands at a height of 54 feet with a hydraulic height of 54 feet and a structural height of 58 feet, completed in 1978. With a storage capacity of 2760 acre-feet, including a normal storage capacity of 400 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 44 acres, Semler Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Semler Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition has been assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in May 2019. With a drainage area of 2.2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 50 cubic feet per second, Semler Dam serves as a key component in the local water infrastructure, contributing to the agricultural landscape in the area.
With its strategic location and purposeful design, Semler Dam continues to support irrigation needs in the region, demonstrating effective risk management measures and compliance with state regulations. As a vital structure along the Middle Loup River, Semler Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Nebraska, highlighting the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the community to ensure the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure for future generations.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
722 |
Dam Height |
54 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MIDDLE LOUP RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
44 |
Hydraulic Height |
54 |
Drainage Area |
2.2 |
Nid Storage |
2760 |
Structural Height |
58 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
58 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Loup River At Taylor
|
464cfs |
North Loup R At Brewster
|
495cfs |
Middle Loup River At Dunning
|
581cfs |
South Loup R At St. Michael
|
178cfs |
North Loup River Nr St Paul Nebr
|
2580cfs |
Middle Loup R. At St. Paul
|
1520cfs |
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.
Semler Dam