Farnam Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Farnam Dam, located in Dawson County, Nebraska, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1937, this earth dam stands at a height of 15.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 252.8 acre-feet. The dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events, with a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of April 2020.
Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Farnam Dam is situated on TR-Plum Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively, with a normal storage capacity of 148.4 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 955 cubic feet per second. With its strategic location and design, Farnam Dam remains a key component in the flood risk management infrastructure of the region, ensuring the safety and security of nearby residents and properties.
As a vital piece of infrastructure in the area, Farnam Dam undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to uphold its functionality and structural integrity. With the potential for significant hazard, the dam's condition is closely monitored, and emergency preparedness measures are in place to address any unforeseen events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role and importance of structures like Farnam Dam is essential in promoting sustainable water management practices and safeguarding communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
688 |
Dam Height |
15.3 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PLUM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
29 |
Hydraulic Height |
15.3 |
Drainage Area |
1.86 |
Nid Storage |
252.8 |
Structural Height |
15.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Farnam Dam