Brehm Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ziegler Creek Z-1 Ziegler Creek Z-15
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Brehm Dam, located in Otoe County, Nebraska, stands as a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to prevent flooding along the TR-Little Nemaha River.
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Summary
Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at 27 feet tall and spans 486 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Despite its essential role in flood risk reduction, the dam's condition assessment from 2016 reported poor conditions, indicating a need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Managed by a private entity, Brehm Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, with state permits and inspections in place to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. The dam's location within the Kansas City District emphasizes its significance in water resource management within the region. While the hazard potential is classified as low, the dam's poor condition assessment highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any risks associated with its structural integrity.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to track the impact of infrastructure like Brehm Dam on the local ecosystem and water management efforts, attention to its maintenance and potential improvements remains vital. With a history of flood risk reduction dating back to its construction in the late 1950s, Brehm Dam serves as a crucial piece of Nebraska's water infrastructure. As discussions surrounding climate resilience and water resource management evolve, ensuring the proper upkeep of structures like Brehm Dam will be essential in safeguarding communities against the threats of flooding and promoting sustainable water management practices.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
486 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE NEMAHA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
0.34 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
24100cfs |
Salt Creek At Roca
|
5cfs |
Stevens Creek Nr. Lincoln
|
3cfs |
Salt Creek At Greenwood
|
125cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
4630cfs |
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.
Brehm Dam