Lemmer South Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lemmer East Dam Lemmer North Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lemmer South Dam, located in Dawson County, Nebraska, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1945, this earth dam stands at a height of 13.4 feet and has a storage capacity of 173.6 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 67.7 acre-feet and a surface area of 17.18 acres, the dam plays a vital role in the local water resource management.
Managed by a private entity, Lemmer South Dam is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor as of the last inspection in September 2020. The dam's location along W Buffalo Creek and its contribution to the region's water system underscore its importance for both local residents and the ecosystem.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lemmer South Dam offers an intriguing case study in the intersection of infrastructure management and environmental stewardship. Its historical significance, multiple uses, and ongoing maintenance challenges provide a lens through which to examine the complexities of balancing human needs with the preservation of natural resources. As climate change impacts water availability and quality, the future of dams like Lemmer South Dam will require innovative solutions and proactive management to ensure sustainability for generations to come.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
230 |
Dam Height |
13.4 |
River Or Stream |
W BUFFALO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17.18 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.4 |
Drainage Area |
8.59 |
Nid Storage |
173.6 |
Structural Height |
13.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
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 South Dam