Ormesher Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Isham Dam 9876 Jones Dam 821
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Ormesher Dam, located in Dawes, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1961 for fire protection, livestock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 18 feet and a length of 408 feet, this dam has a capacity of 127 acre-feet and a surface area of 11.5 acres, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. Situated on Alkali Creek, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Ormesher Dam is currently in poor condition, prompting attention to its maintenance and rehabilitation. The last inspection in 2016 raised concerns about its structural stability, highlighting the need for a comprehensive assessment and potential risk management measures. With a frequency of inspections every five years, it is essential for stakeholders to address the dam's deteriorating condition and ensure it meets regulatory guidelines to prevent any potential emergencies or hazards.
As a vital infrastructure for water storage and management, Ormesher Dam plays a significant role in the local ecosystem and community. With its historical significance dating back to the early 1960s, efforts to address its poor condition and implement necessary upgrades are crucial to safeguarding its functionality and ensuring a sustainable water supply for the future. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can follow developments related to Ormesher Dam to stay informed about its condition and the potential measures being taken to address its current challenges.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
408 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
ALKALI CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
5.06 |
Nid Storage |
127 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Ormesher Dam