Fargo Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brownell Creek 8-3 Brownell Creek 8-A
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Fargo Dam, located in Otoe, Nebraska, is a crucial infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1956 for flood risk reduction along TR-Wolf Creek.
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Summary
This private dam stands at 31 feet high with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a structural height of 34 feet, serving its primary purpose effectively with a core made of stone and a foundation supported by soil. The dam's storage capacity of 184 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 444 cfs are vital for managing water levels in the area.
Despite its importance, Fargo Dam is currently in poor condition and has a low hazard potential, indicating a need for maintenance and improvements. The dam's last inspection in March 2020 highlighted this concern, prompting a reassessment of its structural integrity and safety measures. With the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources overseeing state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, efforts are underway to address the dam's condition to ensure continued flood risk reduction and water resource management in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor Fargo Dam's status, attention is drawn to the ongoing challenges faced by this key infrastructure. With the potential for improvements in its condition assessment and emergency preparedness, stakeholders are working towards enhancing the dam's resilience and effectiveness in safeguarding the local community from flood risks. The collaboration between private ownership, state regulation, and federal design input underscores the importance of maintaining and upgrading Fargo Dam for sustainable water management in Nebraska.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
1.1 |
Nid Storage |
184 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
24100cfs |
Salt Creek At Greenwood
|
125cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
4630cfs |
Stevens Creek Nr. Lincoln
|
3cfs |
Salt Creek At Roca
|
5cfs |
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.
Fargo Dam