Frear Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Frear Dam, located in Harlan County, Nebraska, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1950 with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 18 feet and stretching 300 feet in length, this dam has a storage capacity of 172.3 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15.2 acres. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its low hazard potential, Frear Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 122.3 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.7 square miles. The dam is situated on the TR-Republican River and is part of the Omaha District, serving as a key component in the local ecosystem. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1000 cubic feet per second, the dam remains a vital structure for maintaining water levels and protecting against potential flooding events in the area.

Frear Dam's condition is currently not rated, and its last inspection took place in June 2018, with inspections occurring every five years. While the dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment details are not specified in the data, its presence and functionality demonstrate the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Frear Dam represents a tangible example of human intervention in water systems, highlighting the ongoing need for monitoring, maintenance, and adaptation strategies to ensure the safety and stability of our water resources.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-REPUBLICAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15.2

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

172.3

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.