Lemmer North Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lemmer East Dam Lemmer South Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lemmer North Dam, located in Dawson County, Nebraska, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock water supply, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1945, this earth dam stands at 22 feet high with a length of 323 feet, providing a storage capacity of 260.4 acre-feet and a surface area of 23.46 acres. The dam is owned privately and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to maintain its safety and functionality.
Situated on W Buffalo Creek, Lemmer North Dam plays a vital role in the local ecosystem by providing water storage and recreational opportunities. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in 2012. While no emergency action plan or inundation maps are currently in place, the dam's risk management measures and overall risk assessment remain unspecified. With its historical significance and ongoing importance for water resource management, Lemmer North Dam represents a valuable asset for both the community and the environment in Dawson County.
As a part of the Kansas City District and under the Congressional District 03 in Nebraska, Lemmer North Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human infrastructure and natural resources. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam's design reflects a balance between functionality and environmental impact. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and oversight of structures like Lemmer North Dam become increasingly crucial to ensure water security and ecosystem resilience in the face of evolving climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
323 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
W BUFFALO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23.46 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
11.38 |
Nid Storage |
260.4 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spring Creek Nr Overton
|
7cfs |
Buffalo Creek Nr Overton Nebr
|
3cfs |
Platte River Near Overton
|
1870cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Elm Creek
|
0cfs |
Platte R Mid Ch
|
1370cfs |
South Platte River At North Platte
|
1290cfs |
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.
Lemmer North Dam